Hotel Fortuna

Location

Via Luigi Bonazzi 19, Perugia, 06123

Perugia was one of a dozen major cities in the mysterious Etruscan galaxy. In Perugia we can peel away the epochs: one of the town gates is called the Arch of Augustus. The loggia spanning the arch dates from the Renaissance, but the central part is Roman. Builders from both periods used the reliable Etruscan foundation, which was the work of architects who laid stones to last. Today the city is the uncrowned capital of Umbria; it has retained much of its Gothic and Renaissance charm, although it has been plagued with wars and swept up in disastrous events.

The city today is centre of one of the most important universities and art academies, attracting a young, vibrant crowd, some of whom can be seen in one of the many local bars and cafes enjoying the famous chocolate “baci” (kisses). To capture the essence of the Umbrian city, you must head to Piazza IV Novembre in the heart of Perugia, where you’ll find the Fontana Maggiore, built some time in the late 1270s by a local architect, a monk named Bevignate.

The fountain’s artistic triumph stems from the sculptural work by Niccolò Pisano and his son Giovanni. After viewing the marvels of the fountain, you’ll find the other major attractions such as: Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built in the Gothic style on the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside, you’ll find the Deposition of Federico Barocchi. In the museum, Luca Signorelli’s Virgin Enthroned with saints is displayed.

Palazzo dei Priori, one of the finest secular buildings in Italy, dates from the 13th century and shelters the “Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria”. Its façade is characterized by a striking row of mullioned windows. Over the main door are a Guelph lion and a griffin of Perugia, which hold chains once looted from a defeated Siena. An escalator has been installed to take people from the older part of Perugia at the top of the hill and from the upper slopes to the lower city. During the construction of the escalator, the old fortress Rocca Paolina was discovered, along with buried streets. The old streets and street names have been cleaned up, and the area is well-lit, with an old wall exposed and modern sculpture added.

Umbrian events include: Umbria Chocolate, Chamber Music Festival of the Nations, Rockin Umbria, Brogue Traces in Foligno and Umbria Jazz, the most important jazz event in Europe.

Moreover near Perugia you’ll find the most important tourist places such as Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Spoleto, Todi, Spello and Foligno.