Perugia

Housed in the Palazzo dei Priori, the gallery has an extensive collection of art, both Umbrian and national, from the 13th through to the 19th centuries. There is a sizeable collection of work by the local painter, Pietro Vannucci, who was more commonly called Perugino.

This is a beautiful medieval structure, first built at the end of the 13th century, and the subject of many additions and alterations over the years. Head up the stairs in Piazza IV Novembre and into the Sala dei Notari – completely covered in allegorical and biblical frescoes that date from the 13th century. Entering the palazzo from Corso Vannucci takes you to the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria and to two further rooms: the Collegio della Mercanzia and the Collegio del Cambio. The Collegio della Mercanzia is beautifully panelled in wood, probably done by German craftsmen in the 15th century. The Collegio del Cambio has two rooms, the second with stunning late 15th century frescoes by Perugino.

Piazza IV Novembre was the main square of the Etruscan city, and the Roman Forum. In medieval Perugia, it was the point at which the five principal roads crossed and even today it is at the heart of Perugia. As an open-air venue it can’t be beaten: in the summer, thousands of people gather here to enjoy the Umbria Jazz Festival.

This fountain, between the cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori, is considered to be one of the best examples of its kind in existence. It was constructed around 1275 by father-and-son sculptors from the city of Pisa.

This is one of the oldest churches in Italy – dating from the 5th century AD. Strange symbols and references to the Knights Templar can be seen, as well as the symbol of the pentagram near the church entrance. This is a must-see.

This fort was built in the mid 16th century as a symbol of the Papal domination of Perugia. Pope Paul III had his architect raze an entire area of the city – 100 houses, churches and monasteries disappeared, and the massive fortress was built in their place. Mostly destroyed by the citizens of Perugia in 1860, you can enter the foundations of the fortress from Porta Marzia, or ride the escalator up from the car-park at Piazza Partigiani.

Six of the seven original Etruscan arches into the city can still be seen, with Roman, Medieval and Renaissance alterations. Take a walk around the city following the original walls – the tourist office in Piazza Matteotti has a leaflet with suggested routes.

The Church of San Pietro is a beautiful Benedictine abbey, originally founded in the 10th century. The church has some fine 15th and 16th century architecture, a good collection of Renaissance art, including frescoes and paintings by Raphael, Vasari, Vassillacchi, Perugino and Parmigiano and possibly the best wooden choir (16th century) in Italy.

Umbria is full of beautiful hilltop towns and villages, though Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, has to be one of the best known. There is a regular bus service (line E007) from the Perugia main bus terminal. Journey time is around 50 minutes.

This museum is housed in a former convent next to the church of San Domenico. It has an extensive archaeological collection including a lot of Etruscan artefacts. This place is a must for everyone with the slightest interest of history.