We begin in Piazza Matteotti, also known as Piazza del Sopramuro (Above the Wall). The beauty of this square is enriched by the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, home of the High Court during the era of the Comunes and later of the old University. We then head down Via Oberdan to the stairs of Sant’Ercolano and the Sant’Ercolano Arch, a 14th century adaptation of the ancient Etruscan Arch at Piazza Fortebraccio. Further down we come to the remarkable octagonal tower-shaped Church of Sant’Ercolano. From here we head along Corso Cavour to the church of San Domenico. The imposing façade of this church dominates piazza Giordano Bruno. The cloister of the former Convent, now housing the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, opens into the square. Further down the street and beyond the city gates we come to Borgo XX Giugno and continue to San Pietro. This is one of the most beautiful and historically significant churches in the city. Its elegant bell tower along with that of San Domenico are two of the most characteristic landmarks of the Perugian skyline. The University’s Agricultural School is also located in this complex of buildings. Across the street from San Pietro we have the Frontone gardens which serve as an open air cinema during summer evenings. Further down the hill, we find the San Costanzo church. We then return to Sant’Ercolano along the scenic route of Viale Roma and climb Via Marzia to the Rocca Paolina, crossing Via Bagliona we begin our visit of the medieval fortress. We then climb to Piazza Italia and return to Corso Vannucci. After a well-deserved rest with an espresso or cappuccino, w e can end our tour in front of the former churches of San Isidoro and of Santa Maria del Popolo.
(Extracted from a brochure of the Azienda di Promozione Turistica dell’Umbria)