Best things to do in Perugia

World Heritage listed, Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi features frescoes by Giotto, Lorenzetti, Martini, and Cimabue. St. Francis' monumental tomb is also located within the complex, which dates back to the 12th century. The info office, opposite the entrance into the lower church, can help you schedule a guided tour in English--probably the best way to appreciate this artistic and architectural gem of medieval Italy.

Visit the historic streets and ruins that lie beneath Perugia at Rocca Paolina. Here, a fortress was built in the 16th century at the behest of Pope Paul II. It was constructed over the part of town where powerful rebels lived as a symbol of papal power. The fortress was demolished after Italy annexed the area, and new buildings were erected in its place. Take the escalator to see what remains of the fortress and the medieval neighborhood it was built on. Wander the centuries-old streets, stand where the homes of the powerful Baglioni family once were, and soak up the somewhat eerie atmosphere. This space is often used for cultural events, so be on the lookout for any art shows.

Immerse yourself in the city's history and art with a visit to Duomo di Siena, considered one of the country's greatest medieval churches. Built in several stages and combining elements of the Gothic, Romanesque, and Classical architectural styles, the cathedral was consecrated in 1215. The building has the form of a Latin cross, featuring a slightly projecting transept, bell tower, and a dome, parts of which were designed by architect Gianlorenzo Bernini. The cathedral is constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with red marble added to the facade. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena, linked to the black and white horses of the legendary founders of the city, Senius and Aschius. The building also includes a renowned museum of Italian sculpture, displaying works by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. All-inclusive tickets are available online, providing access to the entire cathedral complex, including the terrace above the museum with its views of the city.

Piazza IV Novembre is the artistic center of Perugia, with a lively atmosphere for people watching. Take in the intricate reliefs carved in the 13th century, see people congregating around the Fontana Maggiore, and listen to the street music as people go about their day. See the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, a gothic cathedral, or swing by the Palazzo dei Priori, an Italian medieval palace that houses the National Art Gallery of Umbria. Appreciate the architecture and environment, or you can go into one of the many shops or cafes for a drink or some gelato.

Fontana Maggiore is a medieval fountain in the middle of the Piazza IV Novembre. Sculptures line the sides of the basin, depicting scenes from the Old Testament. There are also signs of the zodiac, prophets and saints, and events from Roman history. Built between 1275 and 1278, the fountain was erected by a father-son team, Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.

The Collegio del Cambio, is the historic seat of the exchange guild in the Palazzo dei Priori in the city of Perugia, Italy. It was built between 1452 and 1457 and now houses a number of artistic masterpieces.

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecosystems, is said to have been praying at San Damiano in 1205, when the structure was in disrepair. While kneeling, he saw a vision that told him to rebuild the church. The interior of the cathedral has a single nave, one circular rose window, and a wooden crucifix dating back to 1637. Although St. Francis' history here attracts visitors, it is primarily a place devoted to humble tranquility.

Discover small, traditional fishing villages, hidden olive groves, and a smattering of castles at Lake Trasimeno, the largest body of water in peninsular Italy. Admire the area's churches, and learn about their connection with the region's Etruscan and medieval past. Take a dip in the lake's shallow waters at one of its many beaches, hop a boat to one of its small islands, or try a round of golf at a nearby course. Many of the waterside restaurants specialize in freshwater fish in addition to traditional Italian fare.

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli - Porziuncola, on the Umbrian plains near Assisi, is the birthplace of Christianity's Franciscan Order. The intricately frescoed basilica stands 75 m (246 ft) high. A carved tree trunk holds the altar in the building's crypt. You can view St. Francis of Assisi's rope belt, as well as his deathbed in the Capello del Transito, where he died in 1226. Be sure to visit the Porziuncola, the small ninth-century stone chapel around which the structure was built.