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Medieval hill town in the Umbrian countryside

18 votes

I spent 3 months studying and living here and experienced the interesting mix of both local and foreign people that make up the population of this University town.

Set in the Umbrian hills about 1 1/2 hours north of Florence this is one of the regions last remaining medieval walled towns. Although only the historical centre of the city shows this the city has spread out greatly over the years, probably due to the large number of people coming and going every year. Large numbers of Italian students come to study at the Universities here and due to the 'Universita' per Stranieri'(foreigners University, originally set up by Mussolini to improve Italy's image to outsiders) there are large numbers of foreign students as well. This creates quite a cosmopolitan feel to the town.

Favourite spots:
Giardini Carducci in Piazza Italia, to look over the Umbrian Hills. Strolling down Corso Vannucci looking in shops and people watching. Relaxing in the 'Orto Medievale'(Medieval Garden). Bratislava Bar

What's really great:
Mix of old and new in the town. 'Umbria Jazz' festival in July.

Sights:
Piazza IV Novembre which is backed by the Duomo and has the Fontana Maggiore as a centrepiece. Occasional concerts held here in the summer. Usually full of students Arco di Augusto(one of the few remaining pieces of Etruscan Perugia) Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell'Umbria

Accommodations:
Umbria( Via Boncambi 37) Priori (Via Vermiglioni 3) Etruria (Via della Luna 21)

Hangouts:
Bratislava Bar(cannot remember exact address.Off a side street close to the 'Tre Archi'). Bar Morlacchi(Piazza Morlacchi 6–8) Merlins Pub

Restaurants:
Pizza a Taglio (Via dei Priori 3) for quick pizza Pizzeria Etrusca(close to Etruscan Arch and University buildings) Dal mi Cocco (Corso Garibaldi 12) La Lanterna(close to the Piazza IV Novembre)

Published on Saturday November 6th, 2004 by tbrickell


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