Pictures of Perugia Italy, An Enchanting Fairytale of a Town

Curious about what it feels like to explore Italy at night? See pictures from our evening walks in Perugia, Italy. Plus, we’ve included a list of what to see in Perugia and the best reasons why we think it’s worth visiting.

21 Pictures of Perugia Italy

Today’s Pictures of Italy gallery of Perugia shows why off-season travel in Italy is the best. It’s when tourists are sparse, but cinematic enchantment is abundant. Click on any picture to take a closer look! All photos by ALOR Italy Head Photographer Paolo Ferraris from our trip to Perugia, Italy.

While there are fewer daylight hours in winter, there are also fewer tourists. Thus during evening strolls, Paolo and I felt like we got to see the authentic side of the city of Perugia. The one locals love.

Of course, Perugia is chilly in winter. Still, there is a charm that comes out at night in Italy that makes it worth bundling up. Especially around the holidays when twinkly lights line medieval streets. Italy truly shines with a romantic enchantment that is downright cinematic at night.

Fun fact. Perugia is the name of the capital city of the Umbria region in Italy. In addition, it’s also the name of the city of Perugia. Good to know when it comes to booking a place to stay to see the historic heart of Perugia!

What to See in Perugia

If you’re putting Perugia in your travel plans, here are a few ideas on what to see.

• One of the first things visitors see in Perugia is the Arch of Augustus. That’s because this Etruscan Arch, built in the 3rd century BC, is one of two surviving gates in the Etruscan wall of Perusia. In other words, it’s one of two ways in and out of the city known today as Perugia.
• Love chocolate? You’ll love Perugia because it’s famous for those little individually wrapped chocolate balls with hazelnuts known as Baci (or kisses in English). The short version of the story is that in 1907 Perugina Company opened in Perugia. Then in 1922, Bacio Perugina, the unmistakable chocolate messenger of love, was born. Nowadays, Perugia is so famous for chocolate that CNN named Casa del Cioccolato the Perugina Chocolate Museum one of the top five destinations for chocolate lovers.
• 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Umbria Jazz Festival, which is in (you guessed it) Perugia each year.
• Another popular attraction in Perugia is Rocca Paolina, a fortress Pope Paul III Farnese commissioned in 1540.
• The San Lorenzo Cathedral is nicknamed the jewel of Perugia for good reason. It’s a shining example of what made Perugia the artistic capital of Umbria.
• Just outside the cathedral, you’ll find Maggiore fountain, designed by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano in 1287. It’s a must-see in Perugia because of its unique mix of biblical and zodiac symbolism.  
• The National Gallery of Umbria (also located in Perugia) contains works representing an 800-year-long journey through the history of Italian art.

Is Perugia Worth Visiting?

Yes, Perugia is well worth visiting because between the National Gallery of Umbria, The San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Umbria Jazz Festival, and the Perugina Chocolate Museum, there is something for everyone.

However, what makes Perugia worth visiting for me, is the historic charm of Piazza IV Novembre, the heart of the historic city and the focus of today’s photo gallery.

To walk through this piazza at night in Perugia is to feel Italian. Kids pull their parents over to the merry-go-round. Couples sitting under marble statues on the edge of the Maggiore fountain. Glimpses of art from the 13th century peek through the windows of The medieval Priori Palace. In other words, a touch of magic.

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We’re Brandy Shearer (Author) & Paolo Ferraris (Photographer), two budget-savvy Italian introverts, artists, and dual citizens living in the Italian Alps.

We show you how to avoid crowds and save on travel by exploring Italy in the off-season. From popular destinations to hidden gems, get a taste of la dolce vita in your inbox by subscribing below.

All Pictures of Italy are © Paolo Ferraris & Brandy Shearer and ALOR.blog, 2023 and beyond! We strictly prohibit unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written permission. We welcome excerpts, provided that you give full and clear credit to Paolo Ferraris & Brandy Shearer and link to ALOR.blog. Please use appropriate and specific directions to the original content. For use or prints, contact Paolo@ALORConsulting.com.