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Peruqia
Perugia is a place with many historic buildings, people-filled squares, and modern shops. The lively medieval walled hill town Perugia has a lot to offer the traveler and is a good base for visiting other hill towns in Umbria such as Assisi, Spello, and Gubbio. It is the capital of the Umbria region and is very nearly at the exact center of Italy. Perugia is also known as the "Green Heart of Italy".
Perugia Attractions:
Strolling through the narrow streets and along the walls at the edge of town for views of the valley is one of the best experiences to treasure in Perugia. Some of Perugia's top attractions are:
- Piazza IV Novembre is the heart of Perugia. It's a large, open square where locals and visitors meet. There is a beautiful fountain, the Fontana Maggiore, in the center, surrounded by the Duomo (said to hold the virgen's wedding ring), the Palazzo dei Priori, and medieval buildings with shops and bars.
- The Fontana Maggiore is made of pink and white stone and is decorated with intricately carved panels showing the months of the year, astrological signs, Aesop's fables, mythical monsters, and more.
- The Palazzo dei Priori is the place where the town councilors used to meet. It has some beautiful 13th century frescoes and wooden furniture. It houses the National Art Gallery of Umbria and three other museums.
- The Corso Vannucci is the main street for the pedestrian and is lined with stylish shops, bars, and eating places.
- The Rocca Paolina is a fortress built by Pope Paul III over the houses and buildings he destroyed. One can wander through the underground remains of the destroyed streets and houses. There are also art exhibits held in the building.
Etruscan remains include the 3rd century BC Etruscan well, the Etruscan Arch (one of the city gates), and remains of the massive Etruscan wall around the city. There are also remains of the Roman wall and Roman city gates and the Tempio di Sant'Angelo, a 5h century Roman temple
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