Back into time
From Piazza IV Novembre we walk through Piazza Danti and Via delle Prome to the old city walls on the eastern side of Porta Sole where we can admire the view of the surrounding hills.
Then we descend to the Arco Etrusco, the oldest Etruscan entrance gate of the city, and walk into the university district along the beautiful Palazzo Gallenga, where the secretariat of the Università per Stranieri is established. This university, founded in 1925, specializes in teaching the Italian language and culture, specifically to foreign students who stay there for short or longer periods.
From Piazza Braccio Fortebraccio we take the long Corso Garibaldi to the most northern point of the city walls. Just before the city gate of Sant’Angelo we see the beautiful church of San Michele Arcangelo, originally a pagan temple. The setting is very peaceful and enchanting with cypress trees leading to the entrance of the church.
On our way back to the center, we take the Via Benedetta in front of the Monastero della Beata Colomba. A bit further we follow the former route of the aqueduct that brought water towards the upper part of the city: Via del Fagiano and Via dell’Acquedotto, where the remains of the aqueduct are still visible. Nowadays it is a beautiful walkway ending in the old Via Appia with its numerous steps. This is one of the most picturesque and hidden corners of Perugia with an amazing view.
Here we find the Bottega del Cuoio where Matteo Pazzaglia gives new life to worn-out shoes, which are used, for example, during processions, such as the Corteo Perugia 1416.
The Via dei Baldeschi brings us back to the center. In the meantime we can take a look at the Piazza Francesco Morlacchi, a characteristic square with beautiful buildings. Then we move on to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and we find ourselves back in Piazza IV Novembre. Adjacent to it, there is the Museo Capitolare that houses the oldest treasures of the town's history: remains of ancient Etruscan streets, walls and decorative elements. Group visits in English are possible by reservation ( www.perugiacittamuseo.it ).
Then we return to the Palazzo dei Priori (the town hall). The first floor on the side of the Piazza is really impressive. Above the entrance door we see a lion (the emblem of the Guelphs) and a griffin (the symbol of the city). We walk up the stairs and enter the beautiful Sala dei Notari with walls full of frescoes from the 13th century.
Afterwards it is time for a well-deserved lunch break. We choose Ristorante del Sole, a panoramic restaurant located at the terminus of the Minimetro, at the end of Via Rupe and near Piazza Matteotti. From the restaurant we can admire Assisi and Monte Subasio in all its glory.
© Filip Van Branteghem
© Photo Jan Vandorpe