Family Adventure in Perugia: Exploring the Heart of Umbria

Perugia's Warm Embrace

Arriving in Perugia felt like stepping into a painting. The city, perched atop rolling hills, welcomed us with open arms and sun-kissed stones. After our journey from Hamburg, via Rome, the anticipation was palpable. Omar, Lena, and I were eager to dive into the heart of Umbria. Little did we know, our first day would be a whirlwind of historical wonders, culinary delights, and the simple joys of family travel.

Our adventure began, as most good days do, with breakfast. Il Moderno - Ristorante Perugia centro - Slow was our chosen spot, and it lived up to its name. The 'slow' aspect was particularly welcome after our early start. We savored every bite, fueling up for a day of exploration. The pastries were divine, and the coffee, strong and aromatic, was just what I needed to shake off the last vestiges of travel fatigue. Omar, of course, was thrilled with his croissant, declaring it the best he'd ever had – a sentiment he often expresses, but one I always cherish.

With our stomachs content, we set off to explore our first destination: the Rocca Paolina. This underground fortress, a relic of Perugia's complex past, was fascinating. Built in the 16th century by Pope Paul III, it served as a symbol of papal power, a stark reminder of a time when Perugia was under the control of the Papal States. Walking through its subterranean passages, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and a touch of melancholy. The echoes of history reverberated through the stone walls, telling tales of rebellions, power struggles, and the resilience of the Perugian people. Lena was particularly intrigued by the stories of the families whose homes were demolished to make way for the fortress, a sacrifice that underscored the city's turbulent past. Omar, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the ancient Etruscan gate, Porta Marzia, which was incorporated into the fortress walls. It was a tangible link to Perugia's pre-Roman history, a testament to the city's enduring legacy.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are hidden beneath the surface.

Emerging from the depths of the Rocca Paolina, we found ourselves in the vibrant heart of Perugia, Piazza IV Novembre. The square was bustling with activity, a lively mix of locals and tourists all drawn to its undeniable charm. Our next stop was the Fontana Maggiore, a magnificent fountain that stands as a symbol of Perugia's artistic heritage and medieval engineering prowess. Built in the 13th century, it was designed to celebrate the completion of the city's aqueduct, a feat of engineering that brought fresh water to the hilltop city. As we admired the intricate sculptures and reliefs that adorned the fountain, I couldn't help but marvel at the skill and artistry of the sculptors, Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. The fountain was more than just a source of water; it was a reflection of Perugia's wealth, power, and civic pride. Lena pointed out the various allegorical figures and biblical scenes, explaining their significance to Omar, who listened with rapt attention. For me, it was a moment of pure joy, watching my son learn and grow, surrounded by the beauty of Italian art and history.

Lunch beckoned, and we were ready to indulge in some authentic Umbrian cuisine. Osteria a Priori was our destination, a charming restaurant known for its traditional dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The osteria is located in Via dei Priori. The path is dotted with churches, noble palaces and little artisanal shops. We savored dishes inspired by traditional Umbrian cuisine. Every dish was a culinary expression of the region. I opted for the truffle pasta, a decadent treat that showcased the region's prized black truffles. Lena chose the roasted rabbit, a classic Umbrian dish that was both flavorful and tender. Omar, predictably, went for the pasta with tomato sauce, a simple yet satisfying choice that never fails to please. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel like welcomed guests. It was the perfect setting to relax and recharge after a morning of sightseeing.

Our final stop for the day was the Palazzo dei Priori, a stunning Gothic palace that has served as the seat of Perugia's government for centuries. As we approached the palace, I was struck by its imposing façade, a testament to the city's medieval power and artistic spirit. The bronze statues of the griffin and the lion, symbols of Perugia, stood proudly above the entrance, guarding the city's heritage. Inside, we explored the grand halls and chambers, marveling at the intricate frescoes and ornate decorations. The palace was more than just a building; it was a living museum, a repository of Perugia's history and culture. Lena was particularly impressed by the Sala dei Notari, a vast hall adorned with stunning frescoes that depicted scenes from the city's past. Omar, meanwhile, was fascinated by the coats of arms that adorned the walls, each representing a noble family that had played a role in Perugia's history.

No trip to Italy with Omar would be complete without a visit to a chocolate shop. So, before dinner, we stopped by the Chocostore by Eurochocolate for a sweet treat. The store was a chocoholic's paradise, filled with an array of delectable chocolates, candies, and other sweet creations. Omar was in heaven, his eyes wide with excitement as he surveyed the tempting displays. We indulged in a variety of chocolates, savoring each bite as we strolled through the Piazza. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Perugia, a sweet memory that we would cherish forever.

For dinner, we decided on La Taverna, drawn in by its reputation for traditional Umbrian meat and seafood dishes. The restaurant's vaulted brick ceilings added to its cozy and inviting atmosphere. It was the perfect setting to reflect on our first day in Perugia. We shared stories, laughed, and savored the delicious food, grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful city together. The pappardelle with ragu was a particular highlight, a hearty and flavorful dish that warmed us from the inside out. It was a fitting end to a day filled with history, culture, and culinary delights.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our room at Hotel Fortuna, I can't help but smile. Our first day in Perugia was everything I had hoped for and more. We explored ancient fortresses, admired stunning fountains, indulged in delicious food, and created memories that will last a lifetime. And to top it off, I learned that Perugia is hosting the ATP Challenger 125 Perugia, a high-level tennis tournament, which is quite exciting! Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Cattedrale San Lorenzo, the National Gallery, and the Etruscan Well. I am also hoping to visit the Botanica - Concept Bar for an evening drink. I am eager to see what other adventures await us in this enchanting city. Until then, arrivederci!

I must remember to buy travel adaptors – and Omar's favorite toy – tomorrow!