Perugia

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is situated on a hill at approximately 450 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, thanks to numerous viewpoints. The Etruscan town is easily accessible on foot through a series of steep escalators.

In the sixteenth century, Pope Paul III commissioned the construction of a castle known as the Rocca Paolina to protect the city from potential attacks. The unique feature of this castle can now be found both above and below ground. Above ground, the castle site has been transformed into a beautiful garden that offers stunning vistas of the city. From the park, you can stroll along Corso Vannucci, which leads to the main square, Piazza IV Novembre, featuring the exquisite Fontana Maggiore. Adjacent to the fountain, you'll discover the unfinished Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori, housing the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, both of which are also well worth a visit.

Perugia is a university town, renowned for the Università per Stranieri (University for Foreigners), Italy's oldest institution dedicated to Italian language and culture primarily for foreign students. Particularly during the summer months, many students flock here to learn the Italian language.

The city is also famous for its festivals, such as Umbria Jazz, which hosts jazz concerts for ten days in July, and Eurochocolate, where you can indulge in delicious chocolates for a few days in October. Perugia is rightfully known as the chocolate capital of Italy.