The building's limestone facade is characterized by a series of triple-arched windows known as 'trifore' that follow the slight curve of the street.
The bronze griffin and lion atop the main entrance are 13th-century replicas; the original statues are preserved inside the museum for protection.
The Sala dei Notari was originally the meeting hall for the guild of lawyers and merchants, explaining the secular and civic nature of its interior frescoes.
The palazzo incorporates parts of older, pre-existing houses to create its asymmetrical, sprawling footprint.
The building features an external pulpit from which civic proclamations were once read to the crowds gathered in the square below.
The Palazzo dei Priori is a monumental 13th-century Gothic civic building that serves as the architectural centerpiece of Perugia. It houses the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which holds one of the most significant collections of Central Italian art. The facade features a distinctive exterior staircase leading to the portal, decorated with bronze sculptures of the griffin and the lion, the symbols of the city. Construction of the building occurred in distinct phases between 1293 and 1443, resulting in a cohesive yet layered limestone structure. The Sala dei Notari, located on the ground floor, is renowned for its vast series of late 13th-century frescoes depicting biblical and heraldic scenes. The building continues to serve its historical function as the seat of the municipal government. The upper levels transition from functional medieval chambers to ornate Renaissance-era chambers and exhibition halls.
From the center of Piazza IV Novembre looking toward the main portal to capture both the Gothic staircase and the bronze sculptures.
Prioritize the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria on the upper floors, as it contains works by Perugino, Pinturicchio, and Piero della Francesca.
Look up while inside the Sala dei Notari to see the vaulted ceilings supported by eight massive arches.
Check the schedule for temporary exhibitions, as the museum often hosts high-profile rotating displays in its Renaissance wings.
Do not overlook the Sala dei Notari if it happens to be open, as it is occasionally closed for private municipal meetings or public ceremonies.
The museum is generally closed on Mondays. The Sala dei Notari may close periodically for municipal events.
Shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect for the historical and civic nature of the interior spaces.
