Palazzo dei Priori
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Palazzo dei Priori Perugia

4.7
·11 reviews·Montalcino, Italy

A magnificent Gothic palace in Perugia, housing the National Gallery of Umbria and showcasing centuries of art and civic history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer tour groups

CrowdLow
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Palazzo dei Priori

Palazzo dei Priori Perugia

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer tour groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent Gothic palace in Perugia, housing the National Gallery of Umbria and showcasing centuries of art and civic history.

4.7
(11 reviews)

"The town itself has much more to offer in terms of excellent local wines and delicious food."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Perugia's historic center has hills and cobblestones. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Palazzo dei Priori and beyond.

Look down! :eyes:

Don't miss the intricate mosaic floors in the Cappella dei Priori – they're a hidden gem!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Third floor of Palazzo dei Priori

Home to a vast collection of Umbrian art, including masterpieces by Perugino and Pinturicchio. A must-see for art lovers.

Cappella dei Priori

Cappella dei Priori

Palazzo dei Priori

Marvel at the stunning mosaic floor, a rare and beautiful artistic detail that often goes unnoticed.

Palazzo dei Priori Architecture

Palazzo dei Priori Architecture

Exterior and interior

Admire the imposing Gothic architecture of this historic building, a symbol of Perugia's civic power.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Palazzo dei Priori

To avoid crowds and catch the best light, consider visiting Palazzo dei Priori during weekdays, especially in the late afternoon. Early mornings can also be quieter. Check for local events or festivals that might impact crowd levels.

Navigating Perugia's Historic Center

Palazzo dei Priori is located in the heart of Perugia's historic center. Be prepared for charming, but sometimes steep, cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the area around the Palazzo and the wider city.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mi ez a naplemente? Jézusom!😱🥹 #toscana #cretesenesi #italy #view #wow
@vivienvajda09
24K likes • 419.1K views

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Perugia's historic center has hills and cobblestones. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Palazzo dei Priori and beyond. Reddit

Look down! :eyes:

Don't miss the intricate mosaic floors in the Cappella dei Priori – they're a hidden gem! Instagram

🌟 Val d'Orcia in Tuscany is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and charming villages like Pienza and Montalcino. A picture-perfect destination for nature, wine, and history lovers.🇮🇹 #italy #tiktokitalia #tuscany #toscana #italia
@blogsognoitaliano
8.2K likes • 143.6K views
Un anno insieme❤️ Care perugine, cari perugini, un anno fa mi avete scelta, affidandomi il sogno più grande: servire la nostra amata Perugia. Ogni giorno, entrando a Palazzo dei Priori, sento che sto entrando a casa. Quel palazzo è diventato il nostro: la casa di tutte e tutti. Abbiamo lavorato con cura per rendere Perugia una città viva, che accoglie, che costruisce. Una città che è l’anima dei ...
vittoria_ferdinandi
1K likes • 24.5K views

Combine with city exploration :world_map:

Palazzo dei Priori is central. Explore Fontana Maggiore and Rocca Paolina nearby. Instagram

Check for events :calendar:

The Palazzo hosts various events, from political assemblies to cultural celebrations. Instagram+1

Quando mai in un museo vi dicono: guarda dove metti i piedi! 👀 Alla Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria la meraviglia inizia invece proprio dai pavimenti della Cappella dei Priori. Fatevi affascinare da questa rarità, vi aspettiamo al terzo piano di Palazzo dei Priori, a Perugia. gallerianazionaledellumbria.it #gnuperugia #mic #museitaliani
gallerianazionaledellumbria
885 likes • 11.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Perugia's historic center has hills and cobblestones. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring Palazzo dei Priori and beyond. Reddit

Look down! :eyes:

Don't miss the intricate mosaic floors in the Cappella dei Priori – they're a hidden gem! Instagram

Combine with city exploration :world_map:

Palazzo dei Priori is central. Explore Fontana Maggiore and Rocca Paolina nearby. Instagram

Check for events :calendar:

The Palazzo hosts various events, from political assemblies to cultural celebrations. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Palazzo dei Priori for its impressive Gothic architecture and its central location in Perugia. The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria within the Palazzo is a significant draw for art lovers. However, some find the statue itself less remarkable compared to the broader offerings of the town, suggesting that local wines and food are a better use of time.

"There's honestly nothing spectacular about this statue. The town itself has much more to offer in terms of excellent local wines and delicious food, which are a much better use of your time."

Flo Yeow

"Local histórico da Italia. Fica na região de Toscana em
Montalcino (região onde sao produzidos os conhecidos vinhos Brunello de Montalcino), com várias atrações turísticas. Muitos restaurantes e muitas adegas de vinhos. E como nao poderia deixar de ser, muitas lojas com vinhos Brunello de Montalcino, e outros de Toscana. Local para passar a tarde divertindo."

Gilberto Nagano

"A Tuscan wonder, absolutely not to be missed. And you can't miss the excellent Brunello di Montalcino."

giuseppe marino

What People Like

Impressive Gothic architecture
Central location
Art collection

What People Dislike

Statue not spectacular

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Palazzo dei Priori is centrally located in Perugia's historic center, easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by car, park in one of the city's garages and walk up. Public buses also serve the city center. Instagram

Perugia's historic center is best explored on foot. Be prepared for hills and cobblestone streets. The city has escalators and moving walkways in some areas to help with inclines. Reddit

Perugia is well-connected by train to major Italian cities like Rome and Florence. The train station is located below the historic center, with bus services and escalators to reach the upper town. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the Palazzo dei Priori itself houses the city hall and is a historic building, access to specific areas like the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria requires an admission ticket. Instagram+1

Opening hours can vary, especially for the National Gallery of Umbria. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any potential closures. Instagram

Information on combined tickets is not readily available, but it's worth inquiring at the tourist information center or the ticket office for the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Instagram

The Palazzo dei Priori is a functioning civic building. While you can admire its exterior and public spaces, access to specific exhibition areas like the National Gallery will have a fee. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The primary attraction within Palazzo dei Priori is the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, a significant art museum. The building's architecture and the Cappella dei Priori's mosaic floor are also highlights. Instagram+1

To fully appreciate the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria and the Palazzo's architectural details, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you're just passing through, you can admire the exterior in less time. Instagram

Guided tours are often available for the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Check with the museum's information desk or their official website for tour schedules and booking information. Instagram

Fontana Maggiore, located in the piazza adjacent to Palazzo dei Priori, is a magnificent medieval fountain adorned with intricate sculptures, representing civic pride and artistic achievement. Instagram+1

Photography policies can vary within museums. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in many areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Palazzo dei Priori is brimming with excellent restaurants and trattorias offering traditional Umbrian cuisine. You'll find options for every budget. Reddit

Don't miss regional specialties like Strangozzi pasta, truffles, wild boar (cinghiale), and local cured meats. Perugia is also known for its chocolate. Instagram

Many restaurants near Palazzo dei Priori will feature local Umbrian wines. Look for Sagrantino di Montefalco or Orvieto Classico. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The Piazza IV Novembre in front of the Palazzo offers stunning views of its facade and the Fontana Maggiore. The surrounding narrow streets also provide charming photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing the Palazzo and the piazza. Midday can be harsh. TikTok

Focus on the intricate Gothic details of the Palazzo's facade, the sculptures on Fontana Maggiore, and the unique mosaic floors inside the Cappella dei Priori. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the art in the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria might not captivate younger children for long, the Palazzo dei Priori and its surroundings offer engaging elements. The grand piazza is a great place for kids to run around, and the Fontana Maggiore with its detailed sculptures can spark their imagination. Instagram+1 Consider focusing on the architectural aspects and the stories behind the statues.

Look for special events like the Befana descent from the bell tower during Epiphany, which is a fun spectacle for families. Instagram The hilly nature of Perugia means you might want to utilize some of the city's escalators to make getting around easier with strollers or tired little legs. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring for everyone.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Palazzo dei Priori is a must-visit. It served as the seat of government for centuries, and its architecture reflects the power and civic pride of medieval Perugia. Explore the Sala dei Notari and imagine the important decisions made within its walls. Instagram+1

The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria offers a deep dive into the region's artistic heritage, showcasing works that tell stories of faith, power, and daily life through the ages. Don't miss the chance to see the unique mosaic floor in the Cappella dei Priori, a rare surviving piece of medieval artistry. Instagram Consider researching the history of Perugia and its Guelph and Ghibelline past before your visit to fully appreciate the context of the Palazzo and its collections.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Housed within the Palazzo dei Priori, the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria is a treasure trove of art, primarily focusing on Umbrian painters from the medieval period through the Renaissance. Visitors can expect to see works by masters like Piero della Francesca, Perugino, and Pinturicchio. The collection offers a comprehensive overview of the region's artistic evolution, showcasing devotional altarpieces, frescoes, and panel paintings that reflect the religious and cultural context of the time. Instagram+1

One of the most captivating aspects of the gallery is its setting within the historic Palazzo dei Priori itself. The architecture of the building complements the artwork, creating an immersive experience. Pay close attention to the Cappella dei Priori, where the stunning mosaic floor is a rare and exquisite example of medieval craftsmanship. This detail, often overlooked, adds another layer of artistic appreciation to your visit. Instagram

To make the most of your visit, consider dedicating ample time to explore the gallery's diverse collections. Understanding the historical and artistic significance of each piece can greatly enhance your appreciation. Look for information panels or consider a guided tour if available to gain deeper insights into the masterpieces on display. Instagram

Architectural Grandeur of Palazzo dei Priori

The Palazzo dei Priori stands as a magnificent example of Gothic civic architecture in Italy. Its imposing facade, characterized by pointed arches, intricate stonework, and grand windows, dominates the Piazza IV Novembre. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Palazzo was the seat of the city's government, reflecting Perugia's historical power and prestige. The sheer scale and detailed craftsmanship of the building are a testament to the skill of medieval architects and artisans. Instagram+2

Beyond its exterior beauty, the Palazzo's interior holds significant architectural gems. The Sala dei Notari (Hall of the Notaries) is particularly noteworthy, with its impressive wooden ceiling and historical frescoes. The Cappella dei Priori is another highlight, not just for its art but for its unique and beautifully preserved mosaic floor, a rare survival from the medieval period. Exploring these spaces offers a glimpse into the historical functions and aesthetic sensibilities of the past. Instagram

Many visitors are struck by the Palazzo's presence in the heart of Perugia. It's not just a museum but a living part of the city, often hosting official events and ceremonies. Instagram+2 This integration of history and contemporary life makes the Palazzo dei Priori a dynamic and engaging landmark to experience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the Palazzo and the surrounding hilly streets of Perugia requires a good amount of walking. Reddit

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