PERUGIA One of the best preserved mediaeval cities in Italy, Perugia is Umbria's capital and largest centre (population around 150,000) and the former home of the Flagellants, a bizarre 13th-century sect who whipped themselves for religious penance. Today, it is also home of Perugina, maker of Baci (kisses), those rather delicious hazelnut chocolates, a major university town including Universita per Stranieri one of the oldest Language schools in Italy, and full of excellent shoe shops.

Although the outskirts aren't particularly prepossessing if you're approaching the city by road from Assisi, don't pass by. Start your visit in the city's main square, the Piazza IV Novembre, and see the Virgin Mary's wedding ring in the Duomo di San Lorenzo (the cathedral itself isn't terribly exciting). There's an unbeatable collection of Umbrian art at the Galleria Nazionale in the Palazzo dei Priori and fine frescoes by Perugino at the Collegio del Cambio close by along the pedestrianised main street Corso Vannucci, where you can also indulge in a bit of shopping.

A walk south-east of the cathedral takes you up and down narrow streets to the San Domenico church with a huge stained glass window dating from the early 15th century. Behind San Domenico is an excellent archaeological museum based in a convent.
If you've got small children, take them to Città della Domenica - a 500-acre, Disney-style playground in Monte Pulito, 2km west of Perugia. There's Snow White's house, Witches' Wood, mediaeval museum, reptile house and aquarium, shells from around the world exhibition, games rooms and choice of restaurants. Open daily from mid-March to mid-September, 10am-7pm and at weekends until early November.

Nearby is the famous Lago di Trasimeno, this is the fourth largest lake in Italy, where you can walk, ride, fish, swim and indulge in other watersports: there are beaches around the Magione area. Interestingly, it was on Trasimeno's shores that Hannibal destroyed a Roman army at a battle in 217BC near Tuoro sul Trasimeno.

The main centres are Castiglione, Passignano and Magione. Take a stroll up to the 14th-century castle, Castiglione del Lago, perched on a chalky promontory on the west side. There's an impressive bird-watching area on the eastern side, the Oasi delle Valle, particularly popular in the spring. It's worth taking a stroll round the Isola Maggiore just off the north shore, where you can pick up some attractive lace.

NEAR PERUGIA - UMBERTIDE, PODERE Beautiful old country house in need of refurbishment, 600m2, 3 floors. Various outbuildings 400m2, 1.5 ha of land. Price: €400,000. Ref: P1

PERUGIA - VIA DEL LAURO Newly refurbished apartment with living room/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cellar and private garden. Price: €250,000. Ref: P2

PERUGIA - VIA DEL SALTO Centally located apartment with living room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and cellar. Price: €168,000. Ref: P3

PERUGIA - VIA DEL ROSCETTO Recently refurbished apartment 80m2 in part of a 200 year old ex convent with living room/bedroom, bathroom and cellar. Price: €160,000. Ref: P4

PERUGIA - VIA PINTURICCHIO 4th floor apartment near to Universita per Stranieri. Small kitchen and living area, double bedroom, single bedroom,bathroom. Price: €155,000. Ref: P5

PERUGIA - VIA DELLA VIOLA Small apartment with kitchen, 1 bedroom and bathroom. Price: €55,000. Ref: P6

PERUGIA - VIA DEL TORDO Small apartment on 2 floors with living room/kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom. Ref: P7

PERUGIA - VIA DEL BULAGIO 1st Floor small apartment recently refurbished with living room/kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom. Price: €90,000. Ref: P8

PERUGIA - VIA BRUSCHI 60m2 commercial property Price: €160,000. Ref: P9

PERUGIA - LARGO PORTO PESA Bar in in excellent central position in the city centre. Price: €150,000. Ref: P10

PERUGIA - VIA D'ANDREOTTO 4th Floor apartment within a short distance from the universities. Living room/kitchen with terrace (lovely views). Double bedroom, big bathroom, cellar and garage. Price: €155,000. Ref: P11

Todi - Umbria An excellent opportunity to purchase a beautiful old house with outbuilding in historical Todi. 110m2 with excellent views and parking space. Ground Floor Living kitchen, living room and downstairs toilet. 2nd Floor 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Outbuilding 50m2 potential for garage or an extension of the house. Roof of outbuilding in need of repair. 350,000 euros Ref: P19

Perugia - Apartment This beautiful apartment is located in Monteluce a quiet area of Perugia city centre with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, It is a second floor apartment comprising of a cellar, living room, large kitchen, 1 double bedroom, 1 single bedroom, bathroom.It has 2 terraces one with a view of the countryside and another of the city. floor space is approximately 98m2 210,000 euros Ref: PR23

Perugia - Piazza Morlacchi Recently restored appartment in the historical part of Perugia, 2 floors with approx 100mq, large terrace 20mq, Living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. More photos on request. 450,000.00 euros Ref: Piazza Morlacchi

Villa Niccone - Valle del Niccone Perched on a hillside with stunning views of Valle del Niccone in Umbria this countryside retreat has been lovingly restored with traditional materials. The house is 300mq stuctured open plan. Near to the house is an outbuilding 80mq could be used as a summer house. The garden is approx 3.5ha with surrounding view of the umbrian countryside, further photos on request 2,000,000 euros Ref: Villa Niccone

Gubbio - Umbria A Beautiful Italian villa set in the hills of Umbria, constructed of 2 floors, 190mq with 2 bathrooms, 500mq of established gardens with outside area with pizza oven, barbecue and gazebo. Extra 11000mq of land of which 5000mq is farmable. 300,000.00 euros Ref: Villa Gubbio

Perugia - Central Attic apartment with views of Perugia, situated in the historic part of the city in medieval tower, 4 bedrooms, living room with fireplace, dining room, spacious kitchen with antique marble sink and fireplace.3 bathrooms 2 terraces,Parking space 490,000 euros Ref: Perugia central

Todi - Restaurant Lease for sale - beautiful old restaurant with volted ceilings in Todi, dating back to 1400. Lease includes all furnishings and furniture. Rent is 1200 euros a month. 200,000 euros Ref: Todi Resturant

Apartments - Perugia Various size apartments in palazzo ranging from 1 bed, 2 bed and 3 bed. Located near the University of Perugia Further photos and details upon request Starting from 135,000 euros Ref: Pallotta

Apartment Block - Gualdo Tadino In the beautiful Umbrian City of Gualdo Tadino ( city of Ceramics) a beautiful Palazzo (apartment block) 4 floors, Ground floor flat - living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, cellar, First floor flat - dining room with balcony, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and living room, Second floor flat- living room with balcony, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms. Cellar already converted into offices. Maybe sold either as whole or as individual flats 595,000 euros Ref: Gualdo

Apartment - Lake Trasimeno Apartment situated in Tuoro sul Trasimeno with view of Lake Trasimeno, 60sqm, completely refurbished, Living kithen, 2 beds, bathroom, cellar and garage, private garden 70sqm. Further photos on request 97,000 euros Ref: Tuoro

Castello Montesperello A unique investment opportunity! A castle near to Lake Trasimeno, Umbria, Completely restored castle 3500sqm with 7000sqm of land, This has been passed for commercial use such as a Hotel or Agriturismo with panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. The castle comprises of 3 buildings set around a courtyard. 3,450,000 euros Ref: Castello Montesperello

Todi , Umbria Restored Stone Farmhouse with Pool Beautifully restored stone farmouse with views of Todi, 200sqm fully furnished living space comprises of 3 double bedrooms, Living room with openfireplace,kitchen, 14sqm loft,garage, swimming pool 5.5m diameter, 750sqm of garden including 12 olive trees and cypress trees 495,000 euros Ref: Todicasale

Stone Villa in Perugia Stone villa in quiet area of Perugia,380sqm living space including living room, kitchen, dining room, office 2 double bedrooms,cellar, store room and garage, garden 1200smq 450,000 euros Ref: Marcianoumbria

Citta di Castello - Villa Beautiful villa on the outskirts of Citta di Castello, 260sqm, consists of hall, living room with fireplace 70sqm, large kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms, utility room, 3 bathrooms, garage, terraces,cellar, large garden 1600sqm. 550,000 euros Ref: Umbriarossi

Villa - Lake Trasimeno,Umbria Villa on Lake Trasimeno, Preggio comprising of 320m2 on 2 levels with outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, land 20,000 m2. Granny Flat on ground floor, 5 double bed accommodation on 1st floor and loft flat, garage with bathroom and cellar. € 500,000.00 Ref: umbriapreggio

Rancolfo, Umbria - Holiday Home(3 appts) Holiday Home - 15 mins from Perugia, Large house 400m2 divided into 3 apartments, land 5000m2, garage and cellar. 800,000.00 euros Ref: Umbriarancolfo

Assisi - stunning 5 bed apartment Assisi - Lovingly restored 150m2 ground floor apartment in historical Palazzo (13th century)Comprises of Hall, living room with fireplace and balcony, small kitchen, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Lovely courtyard 30m2 surrounded by medieval walls, room off courtyard 10m2 and another room 40m2 which could be developed into a mini apartment. 10 mins from Piazza del Coummune, Sant.Rufino, Sant.Chiara, Sant.Franceso. 520,000.00 Ref: Umbriaassisi

2 Farmhouses fully restored - Umbertide Umbertide near Preggio, 2 farmhouses, No1 Farmhouse fully restored and furnished on 1st floor with ground in need of restoration, farmouse No2 fully restored and furnished as a holiday home. Land 46 hectares with olive grove. 2,000,000.00 euros Ref: umbriacasali

Apartment - Historical Spoleto 3 bedroom apartment in historical part of Spoleto, comprises of 120m2 lounge, kitchen, 3 bedrooms. 265,000.00 euros Ref: umbriaventuri

Majestic Stone Farmhouse with Olive Trees Majestic Stone Farmhouse comprising of one Large Appartment and a further 5 apartments with an annexe.The Farmhouse was built in 1813 but restored in 1991, it is situated in the hills of Umbria 10 mins from the Perugia - Siena motorway. Included is 14 hectares of surrounding land with centuries old Olive trees on 2 hectares. Permission has already been given for use as holiday homes. 700,000.00 euros Ref: Rustico Magione

Elegant Modern Villa - Umbria Situated in Santa Maria Rossa close to Perugia an Elegant Modern Villa on 3 floors comprising 294 sq m and including annexe totalling 420 sq m . The villa comprises of 3 floors with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, utility room. Outside a large portico 19 sq m looking onto well tended gardens with stunning views of the Umbrian hills. 395,000.00 euros Ref: Santa Maria Rossa

Umbria is one of those destinations which, when mentioned to an Italian, will provoke the lip-smacking comment: 'You'll eat well there'. Local delicacies include wild boar and the highly-prized truffle. For those with a sweet tooth, Perugia is one of Italy's chocolate capitals. As well as gourmands, Umbria's green countryside is popular with walkers and cyclists, and those looking for a peaceful retreat.
Geographically next door to Tuscany and Lazio, Umbria has long been a favourite destination for foreign tourists who find the other regions too full of their countrymen. Umbria is one of the few Italian regions to have no coastline, and its countryside is green and fertile, much of it wooded and hilly.

Central Italy's closest major airports are in Perugia,Rome, Pisa, and Florence. Perugia is not far from Rome, Pisa and Florence and can be easily reached.


Tourist Destinations
Assisi is one of Umbria's most-visited destinations, attracting pilgrims to its sites associated with the gentle St. Francis. Spoleto is a well-preserved hilltown surrounded by attractive countryside, and is famous as the home of the annual Festival dei Due Mondi, when culture junkies descend and the narrow streets ring with music. Orvieto is also a popular tourist destination. An Etruscan hilltop town, it offers fascinating underground archeological tours, as well as an imposing Duomo.
Lake Trasimeno is Italy's fourth-largest lake, and is another of Umbria's quiet jewels, located to the west of Perugia.

GETTTING THERE BY AIR
London Stansted - Perugia - 4 times weekly - Ryanair


Distance from the Cities

Florence 154km Assisi 24 km
Rome 173 km Gubbio 39 km
Milan 447 km Orvieto 76 km
Spoleto 66 km Todi 46 km
Terni 82 km Deruta 19 km
Bettona 19km Corciano 11km
Umbertide 33 km