Piazza IV Novembre

Welcome to Piazza IV Novembre, the grand stage upon which the history of Perugia has unfolded for centuries. As you stand in the center of this square, you are surrounded by the three pillars of medieval life: religion,…

At the very center of the square stands the Fontana Maggiore, arguably the most beautiful medieval fountain in Italy. Completed between 1275 and 1278, it was designed by the celebrated father-and-son sculpting duo, Nicola and…

Towering over the northern side of the square is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Interestingly, what you see facing the square is not the front of the church, but its side. …

Facing the cathedral is the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori, one of the finest examples of a Gothic town hall in Europe. The section of the palace that fronts the square features a dramatic fan-shaped staircase that leads to the…

As you turn away from the fountain and face south, you see the beginning of Corso Vannucci, the city's main pedestrian boulevard. Named after the famous local painter Pietro Vannucci, also known as Perugino, this street is the…

While much of the square's beauty is visible above ground, some of its most fascinating history lies beneath the paving stones. Beneath the area near the Cathedral, there are extensive archaeological excavations that reveal the…

Piazza IV Novembre is not just a place for history; it is a place for celebration. Throughout the year, the square is transformed by major cultural events that attract visitors from around the globe. …

As you prepare to leave Piazza IV Novembre, take one final look around at this remarkable synthesis of human achievement. From the spiritual height of the Cathedral to the civic strength of the Palazzo dei Priori and the artistic…