This is one of Italy’s best preserved and most popular hill towns.  Capital of the picturesque region of Umbria, Perugia’s town walls surround a city with a turbulent and violent history.  Its university was founded in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest in the world.  Its large student population adds life to this ancient town and its artistic and cultural heritage.  There is also the Universita per Stranieri, which attracts thousands of foreigners every year with its Italian language courses.   

See:

• The Cathedral – Begun in 1345, this imposing building faces the beautiful Piazza IV Novembre, and the Fontana Maggiore.  It houses the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring, and is revealed to the public once a year on 30 July. 
• Palazzo dei Priori – Considered one of Italy’s finest buildings, the Town Hall is a fine example of medieval architecture of central Italy.
• Ancient Monuments – Etruscan and Roman evidence is located throughout the city, such as the Etruscan arch, tombs and well.      
• Rocca Paolina – The ruins of this former citadel now house small gardens that overlook the countryside.

Experience:

• Umbria Jazz Festival – One of the largest and most popular jazz festivals in Europe has been held here since 1973.  It is usually held in the month of July, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Italy and beyond.
• Eurochocolate – Every October, thousands of visitors converge on Perugia to enjoy the delights of the annual chocolate festival.
• Italian Language – Attending one of the popular language courses offered at the Foreigners’ University is the main reason thousands of people come to Perugia, where intensive courses can be completed by keen students of all ages and backgrounds.

Secrets of the City:

• Kiss Kiss! – Perugina is a local company with a very famous export – Baci chocolates.