Among the many walking tours through the maze of narrow streets of the historic center, we offer you a route in the heart of medieval Perugia lasting about a quarter of an hour on foot, which touches the most important places in the Sant'Angelo district.
The itinerary begins in Piazza Morlacchi, a stone's throw from the very central Corso Vannucci; this square is one of the favorite places for young people to have an aperitif. From here, go down via Cesare Battisti, from which you can enjoy a suggestive view of the lower part of the city. The road passes over Via Appia, where the old aqueduct has become a pedestrian walkway; on your right you can admire the arch of the Aqueduct, while on your left you can admire the Perugian countryside, the low medieval houses and - further away - the university buildings. Sharpening the view, you can see the ancient establishments of Perugina. At the end of the road, the frenetic Piazza Grimana opens up, with its traffic lights and constant shouting. The more modern aspect of Perugia here merges with history: the austere Etruscan Arch stands on your right, marking the entrance to the historic centre; on the left, however, is the elegant Palazzo Gallenga, which has long housed the University of Foreigners.
Take a deep breath and take Corso Garibaldi: a slight climb begins. Although it is busy with cars and mopeds, Corso Garibaldi does not lose its medieval charm. The old houses alternate with monasteries and churches, often consecrated. Being an area with a high concentration of students, the most diverse commercial activities are located inside the buildings: from stationery shops to the numerous and excellent kebab shops, up to laundromats. Don't forget to look inside the many alleys that branch off from the main street: you will discover a myriad of delightful views, small arches, gardens, small gardens and internal courtyards. Also take a closer look at the lintels of the doorways of the houses: on many of them, in fact, there are sacred pottery or stone drawings which in ancient times symbolized both the social status of the landlord and membership of a guild of craft.
At the top of Corso Garibaldi is the imposing Cassero di Porta Sant'Angelo, built in the 1300s for defensive purposes. The impression that the building makes is truly enormous; on its sides are the walls, still perfectly preserved. By paying a very cheap ticket, it is possible to enter the Cassero and visit the Museum of the City Gates and Walls. At the top of the tower, the show that awaits you is breathtaking: from the highest point of Perugia, you will dominate the roofs of the whole city and the surrounding countryside. And if the day is particularly serene, it is probable that you never want to get off!
The corridor that leads to the entrance to the Cassero proceeds to the right, on a slight slope: at the end of the stairs, the small and well-kept lawn of the Temple of San Michele Arcangelo opens up. The origin of this church - among the oldest in Perugia - is lost in the mists of time: dating back to the 5th century AD, it was rebuilt on the basis of a Roman temple, which in turn stood on an area considered sacred by the Etruscans. The circular plan and its internal architecture are particularly interesting: the altar in the center of the church and the mixture of various styles that have alternated over the centuries make it a wonderful setting, especially for weddings, which take place continuously from mid-April until October forward.
Next to the temple, just outside the walls, is the Sant'Angelo Park, a green space of about 4 hectares equipped both for sports lovers and for hosting cultural events, such as the various theater and music festivals organized throughout the year, especially in summer. Beyond the walls is also the Convent of Monteripido, about 500 meters from the Cassero.
Above, Tempio Sant'Angelo, photo by Aracuano