Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
criss-crosses Umbria, but the regional
Umbria Mobilità
(
075 963 70 01;
www.umbriamobilita.it
)
fills in the blanks.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Perugia
POP 162,100
Lifted by a hill above a valley patterned with fields, where the Tiber River runs swift and
clear, Perugia is Umbria's petite and immediately likeable capital. Its
centro storico
(his-
toric centre) rises in a helter-skelter of cobbled alleys, arched stairways and piazzas
framed by magnificent
palazzi
(mansions). History seeps through every shadowy corner
of these streets and an aimless wander through them can feel like time travel.
Back in the 21st century, Perugia is a party-loving, pleasure-seeking university city,
with students pepping up the nightlife and filling cafe terraces. The hopping summer
event line-up counts one of Europe's best jazz festivals. Together with its spiritual sister,
Assisi, Perugia is a candidate for European Capital of Culture 2019. Watch this space.
