Perugia

Perugia: discover the capital of Umbria and its culture of chocolate, music, art and student life!

Perugia is the capital of the central region of Umbria, which is one of the very few regions in Italy to be landlocked. It lies high on top of a hill, and is a student city, as well as a cultural and artistic center of the country. In fact, its oldest university was founded in the early 14th Century. Today it has many different academies, schools and conservatoires which create a busy and intellectual atmosphere.

Perugia is also famous for its chocolate tradition. In particular, the brand Perugina comes from this city, and is the producer of the world-famous Baci chocolates. Should you want to learn more about this cuisine, you can visit the Perugina factory. Led by a guide, you will learn all about the process as well as enjoy a bottomless tasting opportunity at the end.

On a more typically cultural note, you can head towards some of Perugia’s great museums and galleries. Here you will find the Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria as well as the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. These both hold what you may come to expect in Italy: gorgeous Renaissance frescoes, ancient artefacts and a detailing of an incredible history. For a history still visible in the town, you can visit the Piazza IV Novembre. Here you will find the cathedral and town hall. The former is definitely worth a visit, if only for the novelty of seeing what many believe is Italy’s ugliest church! In Perugia you can also visit its fortress, the Rocca Paolina.

Perugia is very much aware of its wealth of cultural aspects and celebrates them regularly. For example, every October the town holds the Eurochocolate Festival. Moreover, every July marks the start of the Umbria Jazz Festibval, based in Perugia. There is even an International Journalism Festival in April!

It is easy to get to Perugia given it is the capital of Umbria. As such you will have access to many train and bus connections to the rest of the country. Perugia itself also has two of its own international airports.