Holiday homes & rentals in Perugia

Stay in holiday accommodation in the Umbrian capital of Perugia to see the city's atmospheric historic centre, grand palazzi, and maze-like streets infused with history. The legendary Tiber River flows swiftly past the city, as fast-paced as the Perugian music scene, which centres on one of the best jazz festivals in Europe.

Food in Perugia: Willy Wonka and pristine pizzas

Enter the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-like cave of wonders that is Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, and leave sanity behind. During your hour-long tour, you'll mosey along a sky bridge, looking on as factory workers go about their tasks, before visiting a small museum and stocking up on some Perugian chocolate.

For the thin-crusted, flavourful pizzas that have enamoured the world of Italian cooking, come to Pizzeria Mediterranea. Still-bubbling dishes are served straight from the wood-fired oven. Try the olive-oil garnished calzone at Al Mangiar Bene, a restaurant secreted away in a narrow alleyway.

Cathedrals and fountains

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, which dates back to 1345, boasts elegant late Gothic architecture, sculptures by Duccio, and an altarpiece by Signorelli. Locals relax on the steps outside the facade, and look out onto the Fontana Maggiore.

Fontana Maggiore is the jewel in the crown of Piazza IV Novembre. The sinuous pinkish marble fountain, designed by Fra Bevignate, was completed in 1278. Statues on the basin depict scenes from the Old Testament, and the seven 'liberal arts'.

Fortresses and 10th-century pietàs

The Palazzo dei Priori dates to the thirteenth century, and its presence, overlooking Corso Vannucci, is immediately imposing. Fortress-esque crenellations and three-part windows distinguish the facade, while the interior is home to the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria.

The interior of the 10th-century Basilica di San Pietro is a spectacular display of gilt and marble, and contains a pietà by Perugino. Why not come for a picnic at the idyllic Medieval Gardens, snuggled behind the basilica?

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