Perugia history

Foundation and First Mentions

Perugia is one of the oldest cities in Italy, with a history that begins long before the rise of Rome. The city was founded by the Etruscans, presumably in the 6th century BC, and bore the ancient name Perusna. The first historical mentions indicate that the settlement quickly acquired the status of a powerful and influential centre in the Umbria region.

Key Development Factors

The development of the city was facilitated by a successful combination of geographical and political factors:

• Strategic Location: The city was built on a high hill, which provided natural protection from enemies and allowed for the control of trade routes in the Tiber River valley.
• Political Influence: Perugia was part of the Dodecapolis — a powerful league of twelve Etruscan city-states, playing a key role in the political life of ancient Italy.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Ancient Perugia was famous for its monumental defensive structures. Impressive fortress walls and gates, such as the famous Etruscan Arch, demonstrate the high level of engineering of that time. After a conflict with Rome (the Perusine War), the city was burned down but soon restored by Emperor Augustus under the name Augusta Perusia, which gave a new impetus to economic and architectural development.

Key Historical Milestones

• 6th century BC — Perugia becomes one of the twelve key cities of the Etruscan league (Dodecapolis), reaching the peak of its early power.
• 310 BC — The city faces Roman expansion and, after defeat, begins the process of integration into the Roman Republic.
• 41–40 BC — During the civil war, the city was besieged and burned by the future Emperor Octavian, but was soon restored under the name "Augusta Perusia".
• 549 — During the Gothic Wars, after a long siege, the city is captured by the Ostrogoth King Totila, leading to significant destruction.
• 11th century — Perugia gains the status of a free commune, beginning a period of independence and active expansion of its territories in Umbria.
• 1308 — The University of Perugia is officially founded, quickly gaining fame as one of the leading educational centres in Europe.
• 15th century — Power in the city passes to the influential Baglioni family, whose rule was marked by the flourishing of Renaissance art and internal strife.
• 1540 — The famous "Salt War" against the Papal States broke out due to an increase in the salt tax, ending with the final loss of urban autonomy.
• 1543 — Construction of the Rocca Paolina fortress is completed, erected by order of Pope Paul III as a symbol of control over the city.
• 1797 — Perugia temporarily comes under the control of French troops during the Napoleonic Wars, interrupting centuries of papal rule.
• 1860 — Piedmontese troops liberate the city, after which Perugia becomes part of the unified Kingdom of Italy.
• 1907 — The first chocolate factory opens in the city, marking the beginning of the famous Perugina company.
• 1925 — The University for Foreigners of Perugia is established, strengthening the city's status as an international centre of culture and the Italian language.
• 1973 — The Umbria Jazz festival is held for the first time, becoming one of the most important musical events on a global level.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The architectural and economic appearance of Perugia was formed over centuries under the influence of changing authorities and cultural paradigms. Key milestones in the city's development defined its modern structure and atmosphere:

• Etruscan Urbanisation and Fortification:

  The creation of a powerful ring of fortress walls and monumental gates (such as the Etruscan Arch) in the 4th–3rd centuries BC not only outlined the boundaries of the historical centre, which remain to this day, but also set the complex multi-level structure of the city on the hill.

• Medieval Construction Boom (13th–14th centuries):

  The period of the highest flourishing of the free commune was marked by the construction of civil symbols of power — the Palazzo dei Priori and an engineering masterpiece of that time — the Fontana Maggiore. To supply the fountain with water, a unique aqueduct was built, which was a breakthrough in urban infrastructure.

• Establishment of the University Centre (1308):

  Official recognition of the university by Pope Clement V turned Perugia into one of the main intellectual centres of Europe. This event forever changed the demographics and economy of the city, orienting them towards serving students and the academic elite.

• Urban Transformation of Paul III (1540s):

  The construction of the giant fortress Rocca Paolina led to radical redevelopment: an entire quarter of noble houses was "buried" under the vaults of the fortress. This created a unique "underground city", which today serves as an important tourist and transport artery connecting the lower and upper parts of Perugia.

• Industrialisation and the "Chocolate Revolution" (early 20th century):

  The founding of the Perugina company in 1907 shifted the city's economy from agrarian-craft tracks to industrial ones. The factory became a city-forming enterprise, and the "Baci" brand made Perugia known worldwide as the Italian capital of chocolate.

• Globalisation of Culture (20th century):

  The opening of the University for Foreigners (1925) and the launch of the Umbria Jazz festival (1973) completed the transformation of the city into an international cultural brand. These institutions ensure a constant influx of tourists and students, forming the modern cosmopolitan atmosphere of the ancient city.

Architectural Layering and Styles

The appearance of Perugia is often called a "stone encyclopedia", where eras are literally layered on top of each other. The urban fabric of the city represents a complex symbiosis of Etruscan foundations, dense medieval buildings, and specific modern urban solutions.

• Etruscan Period and Antiquity (6th–3rd centuries BC):

  The fundamental basis of the historical centre. The architecture of this period is distinguished by monumentality, the use of giant blocks of travertine, and so-called "cyclopean masonry".
  Landmarks: Etruscan Arch (Arco Etrusco) and surviving fragments of fortress walls that define the boundaries of the old city.

• Gothic and Middle Ages (13th–14th centuries):

  The dominant style of the historical centre. Perugian Gothic is characterised by severity, crenellated walls, and pointed arches. During this period, the radial structure of streets converging towards the main square was formed.
  Landmarks: Palazzo dei Priori (a masterpiece of civil Gothic), Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the unique engineering and sculptural complex — the Fontana Maggiore.

• Renaissance (15th–16th centuries):

  In Perugia, the Renaissance manifested itself more softly than in Florence, often integrating into the medieval structure. The style is characterised by harmony of proportions, the use of polychrome marble, and elegant decor.
  Landmarks: Oratory of San Bernardino with a carved facade by Agostino di Duccio and frescoes in the Collegio del Cambio.

• Baroque and Papal Architecture (16th–18th centuries):

  The period of assertion of papal power brought elements of Roman Baroque to the city, although they are often hidden behind more severe facades. The emphasis was on the interior decoration of churches and the construction of aristocratic residences.
  Landmarks: Palazzo Donini, the church of San Filippo Neri, and the interiors of the Basilica of San Pietro.

• Postmodernism and High-Tech (20th–21st centuries):

  Modern Perugia is known for bold experiments in integrating new architecture into a complex landscape. The emphasis is on functionalism and transport accessibility.
  Landmarks: The Broletto complex (administrative centre) in the Fontivegge district, designed by postmodernist Aldo Rossi, and the futuristic MiniMetro line by architect Jean Nouvel.

Urban Planning Features

The uniqueness of Perugia lies in its vertical structure. The city developed not outwards, but upwards and into the depths of the hill. The most striking example of such urbanism is the area where the medieval streets of Via Baglioni were covered by the vaults of the Rocca Paolina fortress, turning into an underground city that today serves as the pedestrian framework of the centre.

Distinguished Figures of Perugia

The history of Perugia is inextricably linked with the names of great masters of art, military leaders, and entrepreneurs, whose legacy went far beyond Umbria.

• Pietro Vannucci (Perugino) (c. 1446–1523)
  Role: Renaissance painter, head of the Umbrian school.
  Significance: The region's most celebrated artist and teacher of the great Raphael. His frescoes adorn the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, and in Perugia itself, his masterpieces can be seen in the Collegio del Cambio and the National Gallery of Umbria.
• Braccio da Montone (1368–1424)
  Role: Condottiero and ruler (Lord) of Perugia.
  Significance: One of the most talented and ambitious military commanders of the Middle Ages. In the early 15th century, he effectively controlled most of Central Italy, turning Perugia into the capital of his short-lived but powerful domain.
• Bernardino di Betto (Pinturicchio) (1454–1513)
  Role: Quattrocento painter.
  Significance: A native of Perugia, famous for his decorative talent and attention to detail. He worked on the decoration of the Borgia Apartments in the Vatican and left a rich legacy in the churches of his hometown.
• Galeazzo Alessi (1512–1572)
  Role: Late Renaissance architect.
  Significance: Although his main creations defined the look of Genoa, Alessi was born and studied in Perugia. He designed a number of buildings in Umbria, including the monumental church of Santa Maria del Popolo (Santa Maria Nuova).
• Luisa Spagnoli (1877–1935)
  Role: Entrepreneur and visionary.
  Significance: A key figure in the city's economic history of the 20th century. Co-founder of the Perugina confectionery factory (creator of the iconic "Baci" chocolates) and founder of the world-famous fashion house Luisa Spagnoli.
• Gerardo Dottori (1884–1977)
  Role: Futurist painter.
  Significance: A pioneer of "Aeropainting" (aeropittura). His works, depicting the landscapes of Umbria from the height of flight, are distinguished by dynamics and bright colours, being the pride of the city's museums.
• Aldo Capitini (1899–1968)
  Role: Philosopher, poet, and social activist.
  Significance: Known as the "Italian Gandhi". A convinced anti-fascist and pacifist, he initiated the famous Perugia–Assisi Peace March, which has been held since 1961 and gathers thousands of participants.
• Sandro Penna (1906–1977)
  Role: Poet.
  Significance: One of the greatest Italian lyricists of the 20th century. Born in Perugia, and although he spent most of his life in Rome, his subtle and melancholic poetry occupies an important place in Italian literature.