The cathedral’s exterior side wall houses the marble pulpit used by Saint Bernardino of Siena for his famous open-air sermons.
The structure contains the 'Holy Ring' (Santo Anello), a wedding ring traditionally believed to have belonged to the Virgin Mary.
Construction was significantly delayed, with the facade remaining largely unclad in patterned marble compared to the highly decorated side wall.
The cathedral houses the remains of three popes: Innocent III, Urban IV, and Martin IV.
The interior layout is a hall church (Hallenkirche) design, which was unusual for Italian cathedrals of the period, favoring equal height for the nave and side aisles.
Perugia Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, stands as a Gothic landmark on the edge of the historic Piazza IV Novembre. Its exterior is defined by distinct geometric patterns of pink and white marble, a hallmark of 14th-century Umbrian architecture. The interior showcases a series of chapels, notably the Chapel of Saint Bernardino, which houses an altarpiece by Federico Barocci. The adjacent Capitular Museum displays an extensive collection of liturgical vestments, illuminated manuscripts, and panels by local Renaissance painters. Construction of the current building spanned from the late 14th century to the mid-15th century, though portions remain unfinished. The cathedral is built upon the remains of older religious structures, including a previous church dating back to the 10th century. Its side wall features a pulpit from which Saint Bernardino of Siena preached to the populace in the 15th century.
The steps of the Fontana Maggiore offer a panoramic view of the cathedral’s side facade and the pulpit.
Visit the Capitular Museum entrance to see a wider range of the cathedral's historical archives and religious artifacts.
Look for the wooden choir stalls in the main interior, which display intricate intarsia craftsmanship.
Check the floor for remnants of older structures visible through protective glass or indicated by archaeological markers.
Do not attempt to enter the cathedral during scheduled liturgical services if you are strictly sightseeing.
Museum areas may have restricted access during religious holidays or private diocesan events.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; hats should be removed upon entering; maintain silence as it is an active place of worship.
