Free walking tours in Perugia and what to see

Must-sees

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, sits on a hill and keeps an old town of Etruscan origin ringed by walls. The centre is Corso Vannucci, the main street, which ends in Piazza IV Novembre. Here stand the Fontana Maggiore, decorated with reliefs by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, the cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, the medieval town hall. Inside the palace you can visit the National Gallery of Umbria, with paintings by Perugino and Piero della Francesca, and the Collegio del Cambio, with frescoes by Perugino.

Beneath Piazza Italia lies the Rocca Paolina, a 16th-century papal fortress that swallowed medieval streets and houses; today escalators climbing from the lower town run through it. Don't miss the Etruscan Arch, one of the ancient city gates, or the Etruscan well, carved into the rock. To the south, the basilica of San Pietro has a remarkable sacristy and wooden choir, and from the viewpoints in the centre you can see across the valley to Assisi.

Free tours and guided visits

Perugia does not have a regular free walking tour. What you will find are private guided tours of the historic centre, which you can tailor to your pace and combine with the Rocca Paolina and Piazza IV Novembre. There are also guided visits to nearby villages, such as Panicale, near Lake Trasimeno. To get around on your own, the Minimetrò links the railway station with the upper town.

How long to spend

A full day is enough for Corso Vannucci, Piazza IV Novembre, the National Gallery and the Rocca Paolina. With two days you add San Pietro, the Etruscan Arch and unhurried walks through the steep streets of the old town. Perugia is also a good base for Umbria: Assisi, Spello, Gubbio and Lake Trasimeno are all under an hour away.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in the historic centre, near Corso Vannucci, where there are hotels in old palazzi and apartments; everything is on foot, although the hills are serious. If you arrive by train or car, the lower town by the station has practical hotels and a direct link to the Minimetrò. In the surrounding countryside there are agriturismi for those travelling by car.