Corner La Trin: Perugia

We pulled into our hotel and checked in. Perugia was a whole new adventure. We plonked our luggage down in the room, and headed out to explore.

Inner Perugia was surrounded by an imposing wall, and it took ten minutes by elevators to get up. But once we were inside, architectural wonders filled the streets and pleasantly surprised me. They were just old but incredible. Perugia is a very old town, settled by Estrucan around 310 BC. The stone and marble buildings, complete with arches and pillars on some of them, rose majestically around me. Shops and cafes lined the streets, and people, mainly tourists and university students, since this was a university town, were casually strolling down the streets. The whole atmosphere of Perugia was very laid back and relaxed, even though all the buildings were so rigid. It was a very nice contrast.

Walking down Corso Vanucci, I saw all the shops full of clothing for teenagers or young adults. Hip clothing dressed the mannequins in the windows. Although it was such an old town, modern clothes filled the streets. I also saw lots of instrument shops full of jazz tools, because Perugia was home to a very prestigious jazz festival. We found ourselves in the main square, Piazza IV Novembre, overlooking the Cattedrale Di San Lorenzo, the Fontana Maggiore, the Palazzo Di Priori and lots of cafes and shops. We stopped for coffee at a little cafe, just to really let the vibe of this tranquil city flow in. When we finished, we headed into the cathedral. I couldn't wait.

The inside of the cathedral was adorned with statues, paintings and frescoes. People sat peacefully on the many benches, reflecting. Part of the cathedral was being refurbished, but it was still very beautiful. The cream colored walls were a nice base for the paintings that furnished them. I really liked this cathedral, very old and has it's own character.

Next we went to the Basilica Di San Domenico. It was a rather plain church, with scarce paintings covering the walls, but the grand tabernacle in the centre was the masterpiece. Intricate sculptures decorated it, while some of the decorations were gilded with gold. Some plants were placed next to it, to give it a lush feel. A few stained glass windows were set against the walls. It had a humbling effect.

Finally, we went to The Underground City. This city was the only level left of what used to be five levels of towers, houses and other buildings. It was completely destroyed, and now the basement was all that was left. We explored the basement, a cave like mass with rooms of every size. I wondered what it would've been like to live here.

Of course, we also visit the Baci chocolate shop. I didn't realise the world famous Baci chocolate was made in Perugia! Did I buy some Baci chocolate? What do you think? : )

The day ended as we retired to our hotel room, happy and contented.

In front of the 900 year-old Fontana Maggiore and Palazzo Di Priori