Perugia: Italy’s Underrated Hilltop Gem
Chocolate, Culture, and Charm in the Heart of Umbria
If you're dreaming of a less touristy Italian escape rich in history, art, and decadent sweets, Perugia should be high on your list. As the capital of Umbria, Perugia has all the medieval magic of Tuscany, minus the crowds. With its cobbled lanes, panoramic views, and thriving local scene, it’s a place that balances ancient soul with modern energy — especially during its famous festivals.
Here’s your guide to what to see, do, eat, and experience in Perugia across the seasons.
🏛 What to See and Do in Perugia
🧱 1. Stroll the Historic Center
Perugia’s old town is a beautiful maze of Etruscan walls, Gothic buildings, and hidden staircases. Walk the Corso Vannucci, the city’s main promenade, lined with shops, bars, and gelaterias.
Top sights include:
- Piazza IV Novembre – Home to the Fontana Maggiore, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval fountains.
- Palazzo dei Priori – A stunning Gothic palace housing the National Gallery of Umbria, with works by Perugino and Piero della Francesca.
- Perugia Cathedral (San Lorenzo) – Overlooks the main square with Renaissance and Baroque art inside.
🏰 2. Underground Perugia
Beneath the surface lies Rocca Paolina, a 16th-century fortress built by Pope Paul III. Today, its eerie stone passageways and ruins are open to the public — even with escalators connecting parts of the city!
🎨 3. Art and History Museums
- National Gallery of Umbria – One of Italy’s finest regional art collections.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria – For Etruscan and Roman finds.
- House Museum of Palazzo Sorbello – A noble family’s restored home with antique furnishings and rare books.
🍫 Visit the Baci Chocolate Factory – Casa del Cioccolato Perugina
Perugia is the birthplace of the iconic Baci Perugina — little dark chocolates with a hazelnut center and a love note inside. At the Casa del Cioccolato, you can tour the Perugina factory, learn the brand’s history, visit the chocolate museum, and even take a workshop to make your own sweets.
Pro tip: October is the best time to go, when Perugia hosts Eurochocolate, a massive international chocolate festival that transforms the whole city into a cocoa-lovers’ paradise.
🎉 Festivals and Events in Perugia
🍫 Eurochocolate (October)
One of Europe’s largest chocolate festivals — with tastings, chocolate sculptures, themed events, and plenty of indulgence. It draws thousands, so book accommodation early.
🎷 Umbria Jazz (July)
An internationally famous jazz festival that brings top artists from around the world. Concerts are held in scenic outdoor venues and historic buildings.
👼 Natale a Perugia (December)
Christmas in Perugia is magical. With twinkling lights, artisan markets, and the largest underground Christmas market in Italy (in Rocca Paolina), it’s a winter wonderland without the tourist rush.
🌤 Weather in Perugia: What to Expect by Season
🌸 Spring (March–May)
- Mild & blooming. Perfect for city strolls and countryside drives.
- Average temps: 10–20°C (50–68°F)
- Great time for photography and fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Hot and lively. Expect warm weather and music filling the piazzas.
- Temps: 25–35°C (77–95°F)
- Best time for Umbria Jazz and day trips to nearby towns like Assisi or Gubbio.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
- Cooler and colorful. A gorgeous time to visit with fall foliage, fewer tourists, and lots of festivals.
- Temps: 12–25°C (54–77°F)
- Ideal for Eurochocolate and foodies in general.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Chilly but charming. Occasional snow adds to the atmosphere.
- Temps: 2–10°C (35–50°F)
- Cozy cafés, holiday markets, and quiet museums make this a peaceful off-season visit.
🥘 Culinary Highlights
- Truffle dishes (especially black truffle in pasta or bruschetta)
- Strangozzi – A thick, hand-rolled pasta often served with wild boar ragu
- Porchetta – Herbed and slow-roasted pork, served in sandwiches
- Local wines – Try Sagrantino di Montefalco or Grechetto from nearby vineyards
- And of course… Baci chocolates in all forms
🚆 How to Get to Perugia
- By train: Easy connections from Florence (about 2.5 hrs) or Rome (about 2 hrs)
- By air: Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport has regional and some international flights
- By car: Perfect for exploring Umbria’s hill towns on a leisurely drive
✨ Why People Travel to Perugia
- To escape the crowds of Italy’s more tourist-heavy cities
- To explore authentic Umbrian life with art, history, and charm
- For world-class chocolate and food festivals
- To use it as a base for exploring Assisi, Spello, Deruta, and Lake Trasimeno
- For romantic hilltop sunsets and local hospitality
🧳 Final Thoughts
Perugia is not just a stop — it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you go for the jazz, the chocolate, or just to sip a cappuccino while watching the mist roll over the Umbrian hills, this city offers a uniquely soulful slice of Italy. Come for a weekend or linger longer — Perugia’s quiet magic stays with you.
