PERUGIA |
Next, we visited Perugia, the capital of the region of Umbria. It is a much larger city than Cortona or Montepulciano. This picturesque walled medieval city has been a center of art, culture, and commerce for more than 2,000 years. After touring the underground Etruscan city, we hiked downhill to view an Etruscan gate before hiking uphill to see the renowned Piazza IV Novembre which included the elaborate Fontana Maggiore and the Duomo. We also enjoyed strolling down the Corso Vannucci, a wide street with many outdoor cafes. |
| A papal palace was built on top of the old Etruscan city. You can see the entrance to the underground city.
Pictured below, we went underground to tour the old Etruscan city.
Below right, The Estruscan gate is also known as the “Arch of August”. It was built during the 3rd century B.C. and was restored by the Romans after emperor Ottaviano conquered the city. There is an inscription above the arch of the old name of the town: “Augusta Perusia”. |
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| The Piazza IV Novembre is famous for the Fontana Maggiore. 13th century sculptors, Niccolo Pozano and his son, Giovanni, created their masterpiece by recounting in stone the Old Testament stories and Aesop's fables. Behind the fountain facing the Piazza is the Duomo, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. This gothic building was erected above an ancient Romanic church. Construction began in 1345 and has never been completed. Note the geometrical decoration on the lower portion of the Duomo in pink and white marble. |  |
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Finally, a picture of us together in the Piazza Italia. We were so busy taking pictures of all the magnificent sights that we rarely got a picture of ourselves.
For more information about Perugia, click on the links below: |