Family Adventure in Perugia: Exploring the Heart of Umbria

A Day of Discovery in Perugia
Today was all about uncovering the layers of history and sweetness that Perugia holds within its ancient walls. From medieval towers to remnants of Etruscan civilization, and of course, indulging in some of the finest chocolate Italy has to offer, it was a day filled with exploration and delightful surprises. Lena, Omar, and I set out with a sense of adventure, ready to immerse ourselves in the heart of Umbria.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La pecora nera - Polpette & Co. I had read some great reviews about their creative meatball dishes, and I must say, it lived up to the hype! The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I opted for the classic beef meatballs, while Lena tried the eggplant version, and Omar, of course, devoured his simple yet delicious pasta with butter. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of sightseeing. I even managed to practice my Italian with the waiter, ordering our cappuccinos with a slightly shaky, but enthusiastic, *Tre cappuccini, per favore!*


Experience the best of traditional Italian cuisine at La Pecora Nera - Polpette & Co., renowned for its delectable meatballs in the heart of Perugia.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we made our way to the Torre degli Sciri, the only remaining intact medieval tower in Perugia. As we approached, its imposing height of 42 meters was striking. I learned that it was once part of a network of towers used for both military defense and as symbols of power for noble families. It's incredible to think that this tower has stood for centuries, witnessing the ebb and flow of Perugian history.


Explore Sciri Tower in Perugia, a historical gem offering stunning views and a rich glimpse into the medieval past of this beautiful Italian city.

We took our time admiring the architecture and imagining what life must have been like during the tower's prime. Omar was fascinated by the idea of knights and battles, and Lena, ever the historian, pointed out the different architectural styles that reflected various periods of the tower's existence. The tower was initially owned by the Oddi family, but later passed to the Sciri family in the 16th century.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the quiet corners of history, where echoes of the past whisper stories of resilience and beauty.

Next on our list was exploring the Mura Etrusche, the ancient Etruscan walls that once encircled the city. These walls, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, are a testament to Perugia's rich history and strategic importance in the Etruscan civilization. As we walked along the remnants of the walls, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the stones and the skill of the builders who constructed them so long ago.


Discover the ancient Mura Etrusche of Perugia, a historical gem that showcases the city's rich Etruscan heritage and offers stunning panoramic views.

The walls stretched for about three kilometers, and although parts of them have been incorporated into later buildings, there were still significant sections that remained visible. We found ourselves imagining what life was like within those walls centuries ago, as the Etruscans defended their city against invaders. Omar, with his boundless energy, enjoyed climbing on the ancient stones, pretending to be a brave Etruscan warrior.

Lena and I took turns reading aloud from our travel guidebook, learning about the history of the walls and the various gates that once punctuated them. The Arco Etrusco, or Etruscan Arch, was particularly impressive, with its imposing structure and intricate details. It was amazing to think that this arch had stood for over two thousand years, a silent witness to the rise and fall of civilizations.

After our historical explorations, we decided to indulge in a bit of Perugian sweetness at the Chocostore by Eurochocolate. As a software developer, I appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation, and Eurochocolate embodies this perfectly. Located in the heart of the historic center, this chocolate shop is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. The moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in the rich aroma of cocoa, and our eyes were immediately drawn to the colorful displays of chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats.


Discover the exquisite world of handcrafted chocolates at Chocostore by Eurochocolate in the heart of Perugia, Italy.

Omar was in heaven, of course, his eyes wide with excitement as he surveyed the seemingly endless options. Lena and I were equally thrilled, as we sampled various chocolates and marveled at the creativity and craftsmanship that went into each confection. From classic dark chocolate truffles to innovative flavor combinations like chili and chocolate, there was something for everyone.

We ended up buying a selection of chocolates to take back to our hotel, promising ourselves that we would savor each bite. Omar, however, couldn't resist sneaking a few pieces before we even left the store! It was a delightful experience, and it reminded me of the simple joys in life, like sharing a delicious treat with loved ones.

For lunch, we ventured to Ristorante Buone Nuove, known for its Italian cuisine and chocolate-infused dishes. The restaurant was conveniently located near our hotel, making it an easy choice for a midday meal. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, with a warm and friendly staff. I decided to try the pasta with cocoa and wild boar ragu, while Lena opted for the chocolate risotto. Omar, being a bit more conservative, chose a classic Margherita pizza.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Buone Nuove in Perugia—where every meal is a delightful journey through Italy's rich culinary heritage.

The dishes were beautifully presented and tasted even better than they looked. The pasta with cocoa was a revelation, the rich chocolate notes complementing the savory wild boar ragu perfectly. Lena's risotto was equally delicious, creamy and flavorful with a hint of chocolate that added a unique depth. Even Omar, who initially wrinkled his nose at the idea of chocolate in savory dishes, admitted that he enjoyed the subtle sweetness.

Our final stop of the day was Palazzo Sorbello Casa Museo, a historic house museum that offered a glimpse into the lives of a noble Perugian family. The palace, dating back to the 17th century, was filled with beautiful artwork, antique furniture, and fascinating historical artifacts. As we wandered through the opulent rooms, I felt like I had stepped back in time, transported to a world of elegance and refinement.


Explore the rich art and history at Palazzo Sorbello Casa Museo in Perugia, a unique blend of museum and public library.

Lena was particularly interested in the library, which housed a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. She spent hours poring over the ancient texts, while I admired the intricate details of the furniture and artwork. Omar, surprisingly, was captivated by the collection of antique toys, imagining what it must have been like to play with them centuries ago.

The museum also had a collection of over 500 embroideries and lace works. The family's history was intertwined with Perugia since the 18th century. It was fascinating to learn about the Bourbon di Sorbello family and their contributions to Perugian society. The Casa Museo di Palazzo Sorbello is a testament to the importance of preserving history and culture for future generations.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at L'Officina for dinner. This restaurant had been recommended for its modern take on traditional Umbrian cuisine. The atmosphere was sophisticated, and the service impeccable. I decided to try the tasting menu, which featured a selection of the chef's signature dishes. Lena opted for the grilled steak, while Omar, once again, went for pizza.


Experience the essence of Italian fine dining at L'Officina in Perugia – where culinary artistry meets local tradition.

Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The tasting menu was a culinary journey, showcasing the best of Umbrian ingredients and techniques. The grilled steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy with a rich, smoky flavor. Even Omar, who is usually a picky eater, devoured his pizza with gusto.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the medieval tower to the ancient walls, from the chocolate shops to the historic house museum, we had experienced the best of what Perugia had to offer. It was a day filled with discovery, delight, and unforgettable memories.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, which I'm sure Omar is particularly excited about. We'll also explore Parco Chico Mendez and Piazza IV Novembre. It's hard to believe that our trip is nearing its end, but I'm determined to make the most of every moment. Until tomorrow, *Arrivederci!*