Show and Tell: Perugia, Umbria

On this week’s Italy “Show and Tell” I invited Lorena, who lived in Perugia for 10 months while working as a Comenius assistant in a local scuola media (middle school/junior high), to share her favorite photos of the city with us.

6 Favorite Photos of Perugia, Umbria

1. Perugia is the capital of the ‘green heart’ of Italy. It is located on a high hilltop. The downside is that you always have to walk up hill at some point during the day. The upside is that it helps to burn off that gelato you treated yourself to.

I had to walk up these stairs daily. Perugia was founded during the Etruscan period, which explains why the stairs are so shallow and worn down. It also explains why my calves always hurt when walking up them.

The never ending stairs. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

2. Walking up those stairs doesn’t seem so bad when you are rewarded with the many beautiful views located around Perugia. From the viewpoints you can see why Umbria is known as the ‘green heart’ of Italy.

After my ten months in Perugia I still can’t choose my favourite view. My favourite changes from day to day. This picture is taken above the Rocca Paolina, a Renaissance fortress.

One of many breathtaking views. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

3. It’s located in Piazza IV Novembre just in front of the cathedral. On the sides of the fountain there are many sculptures representing the zodiac signs, events from Roman history and saints. It’s often used as a meeting point for locals and students alike. Next to the fountain you will also see people sitting, talking and people watching on the steps of the cathedral.

Fontana Maggiore. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

4. I can’t talk about Perugia without mentioning the famous chocolate festival. If you are a chocoholic make your way to Perugia in October to see the festival. The streets are filled with stalls with various chocolate related items.

Have you ever had a chocolate kebab or chocolate liquor? Head to Corso Vannucci where the majority of stalls are located. Even if you don’t come during the chocolate festival you still need to try baci chocolate, which the city is famous for.

Euro chocolate festival. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

5. I loved taking a walk along past the aqueduct. As you can see the buildings are colourful and very typical Italian looking. If you look carefully as you are walking past you may see the coloured satellite dishes with the face of Jesus on the roof tops. I was told that a few years ago an artist painted them, how true that is I don’t know.

Aqueduct. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

6. Another beautiful view of Perugia and neighbouring Assisi too. The best part of this view is that you can enjoy an aperitivo at punto di vista whilst looking at it. The perfect end to your day!

Aperitivo time. Photo credit: sunshineandoliveadventures.wordpress.com

Thank you Lorena for these fantastic photos from Perugia. We wish you all the best in Spain and hope you will be back often to visit Italy. You can connect with Lorena on Twitter at @sunshine_lorena

Have you been to Perugia? Share you experience with us in the comments below.