- Perugia is home to the world's oldest university for foreigners, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, founded in 1925.
- The city is constructed atop a complex network of underground vaults and tunnels, remnants of the 16th-century Rocca Paolina fortress.
- Perugia is globally synonymous with the Baci Perugina chocolate brand, which originated here in 1922.
- It holds one of the world's most prestigious annual jazz festivals, attracting international performers every summer since 1973.
- The city's historical layout retains distinct 'borghi' or medieval districts that still define its neighborhood social structure.
About Perugia
Perugia is the regional capital of Umbria, uniquely positioned atop a high-altitude hill overlooking the Tiber Valley. The city center is dominated by the medieval architecture of the Palazzo dei Priori and the adjoining Piazza IV Novembre. As a significant hub for chocolate production, it hosts the internationally recognized Casa del Cioccolato Perugina. Cultural life remains anchored in historic sites like the National Gallery, while the steep, narrow layout reflects its Etruscan origins. Visitors often find the blend of academic tradition and ancient fortification walls characteristic of its urban identity.
Highlights of Perugia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This central square serves as the medieval heart of the city, framed by major civic and religious architecture.
Historical places
This 13th-century fountain is considered one of the finest examples of medieval sculpture in Italy.
Museums
This site offers a detailed look into the industrial history of the iconic Baci chocolate brand.
Museums
The collection houses an extensive range of Umbrian paintings from the 13th to the 19th century.
Parks
These terraced gardens provide panoramic views of the surrounding Umbrian landscape.
Temples
The cathedral's exterior features a distinct pink and white marble facade and is dedicated to Saint Lawrence.
Temples
This abbey contains significant frescoes and serves as a quiet sanctuary featuring a notable cloister.
Historical places
The palace stands as a primary example of Italian Gothic civic architecture and houses the city's municipal offices.
Top things to do in Perugia
The 324 highest-rated places in Perugia, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Piazza IV Novembre serves as the historical, religious, and civic heart of Perugia, representing the intersection of the...
2
Parks
Parco Regionale del Lago Trasimeno is a protected regional park centered around Italy's fourth-largest lake, which occup...
3
Historical places
The Fontana Maggiore is a 13th-century masterpiece of medieval hydraulic engineering located in the heart of Perugia. Co...
4
Museums
Casa del Cioccolato Perugina is a combined museum, historic archive, and active chocolate factory located at the headqua...
5
Museums
The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria is housed within the Palazzo dei Priori, a 13th-century Gothic building in the histor...
6
Parks
Carducci Gardens, locally known as Carducci Terrace, serves as a panoramic belvedere located at the southern tip of Peru...
7
Venues
Stadio Renato Curi is the primary football stadium in Perugia, Italy, serving as the home ground for AC Perugia Calcio....
8
Temples
Perugia Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, stands as a Gothic landmark on the edge of the historic...
9
Temples
The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, also known as the Tempio di Sant'Angelo, is a 5th-century paleochristian stru...
10
Temples
The Abbazia di San Pietro is a 10th-century Benedictine complex located at the end of Borgo XX Giugno in Perugia. The cu...
11
Venues
Teatro Morlacchi is the principal theater in Perugia and the seat of the Teatro Stabile dell'Umbria. The structure was o...
12
Parks
Tavernelle Aquatic Park is an outdoor water recreation facility located in the Umbria region of Italy. The park features...
13
Museums
The National Archaeological Museum of Umbria is housed within the former convent of the Basilica of San Domenico in Peru...
14
Historical places
The Palazzo dei Priori is a monumental 13th-century Gothic civic building that serves as the architectural centerpiece o...
15
Venues
Teatro Cucinelli is a contemporary theater inaugurated in 2008 within the hamlet of Solomeo, built by fashion entreprene...
16
Museums
The Ipogeo dei Volumni is a remarkably preserved Hellenistic-era Etruscan tomb dating back to the late 2nd century BC. I...
17
Temples
The Basilica of San Domenico in Perugia is the largest church in the Umbria region, originally constructed by the Domini...
18
Museums
The AC Perugia Calcio Museum serves as the official repository for the history of the Perugia football club, showcasing...
19
Places of interest
Porta San Pietro, or Saint Pietro Gate, stands at the southern end of Borgo XX Giugno in Perugia as a monumental gateway...
20
Parks
Laguna Park is a lakeside recreational area located directly on the shores of Lake Trasimeno in Magione, Italy. The park...
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Museums
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Museums
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Museums
27
Temples
28
Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Perugia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Perugia
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) offers the most comfortable walking temperatures for navigating the city's steep inclines.
2-3 days to explore the historic acropolis and visit nearby artisan chocolate facilities.
The city center is pedestrian-friendly, supplemented by a unique MiniMetrò system that connects the peripheries to the historic hilltops.
Staying within the historic center provides immediate access to major landmarks, while areas near the MiniMetrò stations offer quieter, more accessible lodging options.
Mid-range; while dining and accommodation are standard for Italian cities, costs can fluctuate significantly during major international festivals.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 324 curated attractions in and around Perugia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Piazza IV Novembre is the highest-rated place to visit in Perugia right now.
The largest category is temples, with 131 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
