Perugia

Capital city of Umbria region, Perugia lies near the banks of Trasimeno Lake, on a hill whose peak is approximately 500 meters above sea level. The local economy is mainly based on tourism, even if earnings from commercial, industrial and crafts activities are also significant. The town's origins date back to the Neolithic period, but the first organised settlements are Etruscan. During the Roman age, the town was called Perusia, and around the 11th century the area became a free commune. In the 14th century it was the beginning of a long period in which Perugia was dominated by many rulers. This period ended in 1540 when the town was annexed to the Papal territories. Perugia is a marvellous art city and the major architectural sites include the superb Loggia di Braccio Fortebraccio, the impressive Torre degli Sciri (Sciri Tower), the remarkable Arco Etrusco (Etruscan Arch), the marvellous Rocca Paolina (a fortress) and the magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Not to be missed are also the Church of San Bevignate, built in the 13th century, the Fontana Maggiore (fountain), designed by Pisano, the Porta San Pietro (San Pietro Gate), in Renaissance style in the external part and the Palazzo dei Priori, famous for its bronze sculptures of the Griffon and the Lion. Perugia boasts also a wide selection of museums, such as the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria (National Gallery of Umbrian Art), the famous Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archeological Museum), the magnificent Museo di Palazzo della Penna (Museum housed in the Penna Palace) and the characteristic Museo storico della Perugina (a museum of the famous chocolate factory, Perugina). For those who love ancient art it is worth a visit to the Hypogeum of the Volumnus Family, the Hypogeum of Villa Sperandio and the Etruscan tomb of San Manno, among the most important archaeological sites in Italy. The most important cultural events organised in Perugia include Umbria Jazz, an international jazz festival, Eurochocolate, a chocolate festival, the Fiera dei Morti, a folkloristic festival held in November, and the traditional walking race called Grifonissima.