Perugia is a small city with a long history, like so much of Italy. So it’s packed with ancient and modern things to see. And many of those things are free. You can stay busy for days, enjoying only the free sites.
I’ve broken down the 9 things in 3 categories:
Architecture in Perugia:
- Etruscan Arch
- Church of San Francesco al Prato
- Rocca Paolina
Outdoors in Perugia:
- Via dell’Acquedotto
- Orto Botanico dell’Universita
- Corso Vannucci
Free Art in Perugia
- Mosaico Romano di Santa Elisabetta
- Fontana Maggiore
- A Funky Street Art Walk
Each of these 3 categories have 3 ideas for things to do in Perugia. Only 2 are indoors: the Rocca Paolina and the Roman Mosaic.
Looking for free sites on trip advisor? The church of San Pietro is not free, it’s around 5 euros to enter. But they provide a tablet explaining the art and history of the church.
Free things to do in Perugia: Architecture
1. L’Arco Etrusco/Arco di Augosto or the Etruscan Arch
What is it L’Arco Etrusco?
A massive gate, or archway, that was built by the Etruscans 2300 years ago. It’s part of a massive set of walls which are 30 ft (9.1 m) tall and 9,500 ft (2,900 m) long.
Built with a marble called travertine, the Etruscans didn’t even use mortar to glue the slabs of marble together.
Where is the L’Arco Etrusco?
At the north end of Perugia. It’s across the street from the Universita per Stranieri
Why go to L’Arco Etrusco?
It’s one of the ancient gates to Perugia. It has just undergone a cleaning and restoration in 2017.
What you should know about the Etruscan Arch?
One of the 8 gates of Perugia, it was constructed in the second half of the 3rd century BC and was restored by Augustus in 40 BC after his victory in the Perusia War (the Etruscans called Perugia Perusia). Representing the best surviving and most monumental of the Etruscan city gates.
When you look up you’ll see ‘Augusta Perusia’ written in the center. That was what Perugia was called after the Roman’s conquered in 40BC.
Still looking up you’ll notice a tower. It was built in the 16th century as a spot on the roof to enjoy cooler air and views in the summer. The fountain below is added at the same time as the tower, and completed in 1621.
Anything else?
If you’re wandering around Perugia there is a good chance you’ll find it without trying. It’s at a major intersection and a road runs under it.
Hours: All day everyday. But it’s close to a spectacular spot to enjoy a sunset. Just start walking up on via Cesare Battisti, the road which looks down at the aqueduct and out at the Umbrian hills.
Address: At the bottom of Via Ulisse Rocchi.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
If you’re looking for classic Perugia food with a set menu then Dal Mi’ Cocco is a good option.
2. Church of San Francesco al Prato and the Oratorio di San Bernardino
What is the Oratorio di San Bernardino?
The best Renaissance sculpture in Central Italy? Completed in 1452 by Agostino di Duccio. It’s an ornate relief carved in pink and blue stone.
What is the Church of San Francesco al Prato?
A magnificent Romantique church that was most likely started in 1248 and finished by 1256.
Where are the Church of San Francesco al Prato and the Oratorio di San Bernardino?
In the Santa Susanna district. San Francesco al Prato was probably built on top of the church that gave this neighborhood its name.
From the National Gallery, head straight down Via dei Priori. It’s tucked away by Porta Trasimena.
Why go visit the Oratorio and Church of San Francesco al Prato in Perugia?
To see the geometric shapes in different pinks of the facade. To see the impressive Oratorio attached from the Renaissance, around 1451. And enjoy a picnic or a rest on the lawn in front.
The remains of Saint Francis’ friend, Beato Egidio is buried there. And with him the wealthy families of Perugia who commissioned great works by the big names like Bonfigli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Alfani and Raffaello (Rapheal).
Sadly when Napoleon came through with his men they acquired all of these works. The art works from San Francesco al Prato account for ⅓ of the art taken from Umbria.
Not used as a place of worship anymore, Umbria Jazz has been using it for concerts since 1982.
In the earthquake in 1997 the church was closed due to damage. But now, from 2019, it’s again an auditorium for music, theater and dance. It should seat 500 people.
What you should know about the church and Oratory?
This was built by Francescan monks to replace their first church in Perugia which was further from the city walls.
It’s always had structural problems. The ground it was built on isn’t as stable as it should be. And the multiple earthquakes over the last 600 years has meant it’s been left for decades to fall apart and has been restored multiple times. Surely in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 20th centuries.
Anything else?
As mentioned above, Raphael had two paintings commissioned for this church. Sadly they aren’t any longer in Perugia- after a time in Paris, they’re now in the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Other works from the church by Pinturicchio are in the Museum of Naples and Alfani’s piece is in the Louvre.
Abandonment for years, in 1926 the restoration works started and it was decided to get back to the original Gothic Structure. The Façade has been totally rebuilt by Pietro Angelini. He copied a painting by Benedetto Bonfigli The Gonfalone di San Bernardino, 1465 for how it looked originally.
Hours: It is rarely open to enter inside, but you can definitely enjoy the exterior and a sunset behind it.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Yes! Walk back up to Via dei Priori, for the Torre degli Sciri and try Osteria a Priori, good food and an amazing view.
3. Rocca Paolina:
What is Rocca Paolina?
A fortress built in the Renaissance, Trip Advisor has it as the number 1 thing to do in Perugia.
Now it’s a way to be transported back to the brick streets of the 1700s.
Where is Rocca Paolina?
Underneath the historic center of Perugia.
Why go visit the Rocca Paolina?
A great place to escape the rain, wind or heat of a summer afternoon. But even better it’s a near perfect condition medieval city.
What you should know about the Fortress of Perugia?
Built between 1540-1543, it was built for Pope Paul III by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (he also engineered the well in Orvieto). As the last free city to be conquered in the Salt Wars, the Pope built it as a show of imposing force to the people of Perugia.
Keeping in mind it was built to instill fear in the people of Perugia, in 1860 all of the fortress that was above ground was demolished. They had destroyed many early medieval buildings and Roman buildings to build the fortress in the first place.
After 1860 it was for the most part sealed off and forgotten. Until the 1980s when it was reopened, restored and studied.
Anything else?
It’s used to house the Christmas Market every year.
There’s always an art exhibit or something else happening inside. And there’s a museum for more information about the Fortress Rocca Paolina.
One of the smaller entrances is called Porta Marzia. Above is the sculptures from an Etruscan gate that the Pope had moved. The architect for Rocca Paolina, Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, probably saved this piece from the Etruscan Porta Marzia and had it placed here.
Hours: From 6.15am till 1.45am
Address: There are multiple entrance points. The easiest is to take the escalator down in Piazza Italia, across the street from Hotel Brufani.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
If you walk through and exit from Porta Marzia then take the main road (viale Indipendenza) up and find the Studio and Musuem of Stained Glass Moretti Caselli.
Free things to do in Perugia: Outdoors
4. Via dell’Acquedotto:
Walk a part of the aqueduct that fed the Maggiore fountain, one of Perugia’s most significant monuments.
Via dell’Acquedotto is an enjoyable walk through the historic center of Perugia.
What is via dell’Acquedotto?
A 5 km (or just over 3 miles) medieval aqueduct that was used to bring water up to the main fountain in Piazza IV Novembre.
However the walk in the historic center can be as short as 500 meters. Or walk to the round church of San Michele Arcangelo, 1km walk one way.
This round church is one of my favourites to visit in Perugia, find out more in this post.
Where is via dell’Acquedotto?
Explore the neighborhood in the north of Perugia from the main Piazza to the Torre Strozzi.
Why go walk the Aqueduct of Perugia?
A gentle walk (although there are stairs) it has great photo opportunities, in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Perugia.
What you should know about the Aqueduct?
It was built between 1254 and 1277 and abandoned at the end of the 1800s.
The water came from a source 5 km away called Monte Pacciano (historic San Marco), which still has some of the original aqueducts, the cisterns that the water was collected in and the home of the caretaker, who, in 1300s were hermits guarding the water source.
Anything else?
Parapets are great for photos!
Hours: It’s a footpath that is never closed.
Address: Head down from Piazza IV Novembre and the Fontaina Maggiore to Via Maesta delle Volte, past the thin arch, turn right on Via Baldeschi and left on Via Appia; the beginning of the aqueducts.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Make sure to visit the church San Michele Arcangelo, head back along Corso Garibaldi and get a coffee and a cupcake at Pinturicchio cafe.
5. Orto Botanico dell’Universita:
As someone who grew up with a famous garden which costs about $25 to enter, this garden which is free is amazing! (I still recommend Butchart’s outside of Victoria)
What is Orto Botanico dell’Universita?
A big botanical garden run by the University with a collection of over a 3000 species.
Where is Orto Botanico dell’Universita?
A 30 minute walk from Piazza IV Novembre, it’s off the tourist track, it’s at the southern end of Perugia.
Why go to the Botanical Gardens of Perugia?
Discover their medieval garden with around 1200 plants from around Umbria, and other regions of Italy.
This garden was established in 1962 between Via San Costanzo and Via Romana, as a successor to Perugia’s first botanical garden (1768), which was moved and re-established several times over the centuries.
What you should know about it?
With a large collection of plants like aquatic plants, arboretum (trees), fruit, succulents, tropical and subtropical plants, and edible plants.
There’s an alpine garden, a zen garden and a massive collection of hydrangea- my mother in law’s love and inspiration.
Anything else?
Well worth a visit to escape the tourists, crowds or you’re a lover of plants.
Hours:
Closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and holidays. Open Monday to Friday 8am till 2pm.
They advertise guided tours but I can’t find any in English.
It’s accessible for wheelchairs, but not in its entirety.
Address: Via S. Costanzo, 1
tel. 075 5856432
email: centro.cams@unipg.it – marco.maovaz@unipg.it
sito: https://sites.unipg.it/centri/cams/musei-orti/orto-medievale –http://www.ortobotanicoitalia.it/umbria/perugia/
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Consider linking it with a visiting San Pietro, where the Medieval garden is. Or a refined Umbrian meal at Nadir or L’Officina. Feel more like pizza? Try La Romantica.
6. Walk Corso Vannucci
What is Corso Vannucci?
A road in the center of historic Perugia. It’s the main road.
Only accessible for pedestrians, it’s got fashion, treats and a view.
Where is Corso Vannucci?
From the main piazza (foutain, cathedral, city council) walk south. You’ll pass the Umbrian Gallery (well worth a visit) and end at the Carducci Gardens that look out over Umbria.
Why go?
This is the main drag. It’s been walked for centuries every Sunday to show off whatever your best clothes are. Now it’s perfect for a stroll, a coffee, pop into a shop and pick up some makeup or a new jacket.
What you should know about Corso Vannucci?
Do you know who this main street is named after?
Pietro Vannucci. Who?
He’s known as Il Perugino. A painter born in 1446 and who died in 1523. So Italian Renaissance. An excellent painter, stop into the National Gallery of Perugia to see his work.
Anything else?
Perhaps he trained under Leonardo Da Vinci; but he’s best known for teaching Raphael.
Hours?
Open always. Except in 2020 when there’s a curfew. But you can come anyway.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Definitely!
Free things to do in Perugia: Art
7. Mosaico Romano di Santa Elisabetta/Roman Mosaic of Saint Elizabeth
What is Mosaico Romano di Santa Elisabetta?
Orpheus and the Beasts. A black and white Roman mosaic that was unearthed in 1875 after a church was removed, 7 meters below.
Where is the Mosaico Romano di Santa Elisabetta?
On the campus of the university of Perugia in the maths department and across from the chemistry and biology faculty.
Why go to the Mosaico Romano di Santa Elisabetta?
First it’s an impressive mosaic with more than 40 animals.
But it also shows how hard it is to build here in Italy. Once they start digging it’s very common that it has to stop because it becomes an archeological dig.
What you should know about Roman Mosaic of Saint Elizabeth?
A mosaic from the 2nd century BC.
Most likely it was a Roman bath just outside of the walls of ancient Perugia.
It depicts Orpheus sitting naked under a laurel tree, enchanting animals with his music. He’s playing a lyre. which include elephants
Anything else?
Saint Elisabeth is in the name as that was the church it was found below.
Hours:
Open Monday to Friday from 8.00-19.00
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Wheelchair accessible.
Info: tel. 075 5855604-5
Via dell’Elce di Sotto, n. 8 – entrance of the University of Perugia, Department of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences.
website: www.perusia.unipg.it/mosaic.htm
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
It’s only a 5 minute walk away from the Etruscan arch. This is all part of the university, so while there are bars, and you’ll have to walk about 10 minutes for restaurants, like Locando di Morlacchi.
8. Fontana Maggiore in Piazza IV Novembre
What is Fontana Maggiore?
The symbol of the city of Perugia.
Considered to be one of the most important (or finest) medieval fountains, it was built in 1278.
Where is Fontana Maggiore?
The fountain in the center of Piazza 4 Novembre, the main piazza of Perugia.
At the heart of the historic Perugia. Between the Cathedral San Lorenzo and the town hall, Palazzo dei Priori.
Why go to the Fontana Maggiore?
It’s the center and focal point of Perugia.
Part of a program for civic improvements in 1278 to celebrate the autonomy of the free Perugia.
The Piazza IV Novembre has always been the cultural and political center of Perugia. Under the Etruscans, the Romans and through to Medieval Perugia, it’s the crossing of the main city streets.
Although today it’s mostly car free.
A beautiful piazza with an impressive fountain.
What you should know about Fontana Maggiore?
It was built by the father and son team, Nicola and Giovanni Pisano from 1275 to 1278.
A bronze basin sits on top with a group of three bronze nymphs holding an urn. The urn is where the water gushes from.
Later four griffins were added on top. But they’ve been removed and are now in the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria.
The Upper Marble Basin:
This is made up of Carrara marble statues separated by 24 smooth panels of pink Assisi stone. The statues represent the historical people of Perugia.
From the legend of the founding of Perugia (Euliste, the legendary Trojan hero to which the city traced its roots), the saints of Perugia and to those who built the fountain. There are also many biblical characters. Even the Benedictine monk who engineered the water flow, Fra’ Bevignate.
The Lower Marble Basin:
The Lower Basin is made up of twenty-five sides in white marble. Each side has 2 sculptures and all are separated by columns.
The sculptures represent prophets, saints, the changing work of the months, the signs of the zodiac, an agricultural calendar, scenes from the old Testament, and the founding of ancient Rome (Romulus and Remus). Look for the 7 liberal arts plus philosophy, the Griffin Perugia’s symbol and the Lion, the symbol of the Guelphs which Perugia support (think Venice and the Pope).
Anything else?
It was a major undertaking, which the city could not afford to do without loans.
The loans came from the people of Perugia, who were excited about the fountain and the aqueduct.
So they helped finance the project by donating money. And amazingly the money was retired, as promised between January and April of 1286.
Look for the 2 eagles. They’re probably the signature of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano who created the fountain. Why eagles? They’re from Pisa and the eagle is the symbol of Pisa.
Hours: Recently cleaned and always running, you can enjoy it any time of day or in any season.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Well, you’re in the center. Begin the walk of the medieval aqueduct. Go explore the National Gallery. Or enjoy a pizza at Mediterranea next to the Etruscan well.
9. A Funky Street Art Walk in Perugia
What is this Street Art Walk in Perugia?
A fun and funky neighborhood full of street art, wine bars and medieval apartments.
Where is the Street Art Walk?
It’s in the North East of Perugia. The Cappella di San Severa is nearby if you want to see some Raffaello frescos.
Why go?
Asides from it’s a great place to stay in Perugia if you like airbnb or something similar, you’ll get the feel of the artsy side of Perugia. A lived in vibe, it’s all narrow streets full of arches and staircases.
Known for it’s great wine bars, street art installations and medieval architecture.
What you should know about it?
You won’t find many tourists here.
Head to Via della Viola, Via della Scala, and Via Cartolari.
Anything else?
You need to be mobile. You’ll go up and down stairwells, dodge pigeons and duck into doorways to avoid scooters and delivery trucks.
Hours:
You can do this anytime, but unless it’s winter I’d suggest a late afternoon stroll to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner at the end.
Good Restaurants or other sites nearby?
Yes! I thoroughly enjoy a before dinner drink, meal or nightcap at 3 spots around here: Moderno, Civico 25 and Il Grufo.
There’s also an independent cinema which does movies in original language (with Italian subtitles) if you’re missing the small cinema vibe.
Free Museums and Galleries in Perugia?
And finally what about visiting galleries and museums in Perugia?
I have a post all about museums, galleries and the Etruscan well here.
They’re worth paying for but if you’re on a budget keep in mind that all publicly funded museums and galleries in Italy are free on the first Sunday of every month.
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