Perugia

Now that I have less than a week here I've been fired up to visit other
places. Perugia was a delight. In Franciscan history it is famed for its
past enmity with Assisi. But then rivalry and warfare between rival states
is part of Italian history. Perugia has many signs of its past, especially
in the historic centre. The enormous and lavishly decorated Palazzo dei
Priori still serves as the seat of local government - you walk through
medieval vaulted corridors to pay your rates. Two floors have been converted
into the world-class Galleria Nazionale Dell'Umbria containing a number of
Umbrian masterpieces. I found the first few galleries - 13th century - the
most rewarding. The galleries which follow are still excellent - but gallery
fatigue sets in after a while!

Perugia is built on the top of a hill. Sightseeing again is like mountain
climbing. To make it easier there are lifts and escalators. Ascending from
the bus terminal on the escalators you pass through the foundations built on
Etruscan ruins.

The following photos show some of the sights.

The interior of San Pietro

and the exterior

and the tower from further up the street

The pulpit built for San Bernardino on the facade of the Cathedral

The facade of the Oratory of San Bernardino - the panel in the lower centre shows the "bonfire of vanities" - after his preaching urged everyone to discard their vanities they threw them on a massive bonfire in the town square.

Christmas lights

A Christmas festival carousel

The Palazzo dei
Priori

One of the remaining medieval towers