Excursion 7 – Perugia – Assisi

Perugia is a splendid city perched on a double hill that has perfectly maintained the features of a rich medieval city, important cultural center and still today the main location of one of the most important Italian universities. Visit the National Gallery-works by Fra Angelico, Piero della Francesca and Perugino, and the 13th century marble and bronze Maggiore Fountain – the symbol of the city . The chapel in Piazza San Severo has frescoes by Raphael and Perugino. DonÕt miss the Piazza 4 November – town square and the Palazzo dei Priori. The Carducci Gardens offer a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Assisi is the hometown of St. Francis – the founder of the Franciscan order of friars, and the church and crypt with his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims an sightseers every year. The Basilica of San Francesco, known for its frescoes by Giotto – repaired after the big earthquake that in 1997 rocked the town – is the treasure of the city, the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress – La Rocca medioevale, the Piazza del Comune and St. Peter’s church are the most interesting places. There is also a perfectly conserved Roman temple – the Temple of Minerva, in the city’s main square.