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Car Hire in Perugia
Perugia
The capital of Umbria, Perugia is a city of Gothic palaces and ancient stone alleys, mixed with a 19th century promenade and jazz cafes. Originally one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan confederation, Perugia now boasts one of Italy's largest state universities and Perugina, purveyor of the country's finest chocolates. The promenade of Corso Vannucci is the place for a gentle stroll at sunset, with a stop for espresso and a chat, while at one end is the Palazzo dei Priori, one of the largest town halls in Italy. Commenced in the 1290s, it was expanded in 1443 and has the oldest façade, with an off-centre main portal. Inside, is the long rectangular room known as the Sala dei Notari, where the citizens' assembly used to meet. Beyond the palazzo is the city's main square, Piazza IV Novembre, where you can see the Fontana Maggiore, one of Italy's prettiest public fountains. The Pozzo Etrusco (Etruscan Well), on Piazza Danti, was sunk in the 3rd century and is over 5 metres wide and more than 34 metres deep. Visitors can climb down past the dripping walls to a bridge across the bottom. The Benedictine monastery of San Pietro is a city landmark, founded in the late 10th century. The interior is supported by ancient granite and marble columns taken from a pagan temple, and is decorated with medieval wallpapers, frescoes and baroque paintings. The famed artist Raphael made his first attempt at fresco in 1505 in the Capella di San Severo, situated on the piazza bearing his name. Though damaged, it still shows the budding genius at work.