As the capital of Umbria, Perugia is a city full of history dating back to Etruscan times. Must-see sights include the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which houses a collection of over 3,000 works of art within the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Piazza IV Novembre is complete with its gothic interior and sculptures by Duccio; and the medieval fountain 'Maggiore' which dates back to 1278, showcasing a 25-sided basin with sculptures including the symbol of Perugia - the Griffin.
Cultural and historic sites aside, Perugia is also home to the makers of Perugina and Baci chocolate. The factory based just on the outskirts of the city is the biggest of Nestlé’s nine sites across Italy, with a museum dedicated to the history of production, a factory, tasting area and for the would-be chocolatier, a chocolate school. For those more interested in eating the finished product, the famous Eurochocolate festival takes place every October. As the biggest chocolate festival in Europe, it attracts nearly a million visitors over the nine-day celebration, with a range of famous brands taking part.
Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria Opening Hours: Daily (excluding Mondays, February to October, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th) 8.30am – 7.30pm.
Prices: €6.50 per adult / €3.25 for European Union citizens aged 18-25 years / Free for European Union citizens aged under 18 years (please take a passport as proof of ID). Entry is free for the first Sunday of every month.
Perugina Chocolate Factory Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 5.30pm. Open Saturday excluding January, February, June and September.
Prices: €9 per adult/ Reduced admission available for European Citizens aged over 25 years and 5 – 17 years/ Free for children under 5 years.
*Prices and opening hours may be subject to change.
