Palazzo dei Priori

Standing before the Palazzo dei Priori, you are looking at more than just a building; you are looking at the physical embodiment of Perugia's medieval independence. Constructed between 1293 and 1443, this palace is one of the…

The entrance facing the Piazza IV Novembre leads to the Sala dei Notari, the ancient assembly hall of the city's powerful notaries' guild. The portal itself is a masterpiece of 13th-century carving. …

High above the main entrance on the square, you will see two iconic bronze statues: the Griffin and the Lion. These are the totemic protectors of Perugia. …

As you walk along the side of the Palazzo that faces Corso Vannucci, take note of the rhythmic arrangement of the windows. These are classic Gothic 'trifora'—windows divided into three sections by slender columns topped with…

The main entrance to the Palazzo from Corso Vannucci is even more ornate than the one on the square. Known as the Portal of the Priors, it was built in the mid-14th century and is a masterpiece of sculptural detail. …

Located on the ground floor of the Palazzo, with its own entrance on the Corso, is the Collegio del Cambio, or the Hall of the Money Changers. This was the headquarters of the guild responsible for currency exchange, one of the…

The top floors of the Palazzo dei Priori house the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, the region's most important art museum. The collection is vast, spanning over a thousand years of artistic production from the medieval period…

As we conclude our tour of the Palazzo dei Priori, take a moment to reflect on the sheer endurance of this structure. For over seven centuries, it has stood as the silent witness to the triumphs and tragedies of Perugia. …