Perugia

A hilltop city with great art, great chocolate, and great coffee

Spilling down across a hill in the heart of Umbria, the medieval city of Perugia overlooks a patchwork of valleys, olive groves and vineyards. From the main train station, a short walk through winding streets brings you into the city’s historic centre, where you can see how modern Italy interacts with centuries-old architecture.

Piazza IV Novembre is the heart of the city. The Fontana Maggiore is a fascinating medieval fountain carved with detailed sculptures. Nearby, the Palazzo dei Priori rises proudly, home to art galleries and many of the city’s civic treasures. The Chapel hosts vibrant frescoes from the 15th century, including detailed depictions of the medieval urban landscape.

Got a sweet tooth? Perugia has a centuries-old tradition of chocolate-making, and if there’s ever been an excuse to indulge, learning about medieval Italy is a pretty good one.

Keep an eye out for the tiny carved faces and symbols tucked into the stonework above doors and windows. How many do you spot, and most importantly, what are they watching for?