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Church of Sant'Ercolano: A Sanctuary Through the Ages

Discover Perugia's past at the Church of Sant'Ercolano, a unique octagonal church blending Gothic and Baroque architecture.

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The Church of Sant'Ercolano, dedicated to Perugia's patron saint, stands as an octagonal testament to the city's layered history. Built between 1297 and 1326 near the Etruscan walls, it showcases Gothic architecture with Baroque alterations and houses the saint's relics in a Roman sarcophagus.

A brief summary to Church of Sant'Ercolano

  • Thursday 3:30 pm-7:30 pm
  • Friday 3 pm-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-11:30 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the less crowded morning hours for a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the church's opening hours in advance, as they vary throughout the week.
  • Note that access to the church is not available for people with motor disabilities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza IV Novembre, walk southeast on Corso Vannucci, then turn right onto Via Bonazzi. Continue onto Via Sant'Ercolano. The church will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Perugia Station, take the Minimetrò to the Pincetto station. From there, walk southeast on Corso Vannucci, turn right onto Via Bonazzi, and continue onto Via Sant'Ercolano. The church will be on your left. A single ticket on the Minimetrò costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Perugia. A taxi ride from Perugia Station to the Church of Sant'Ercolano will cost approximately €9.50, with a base fare of €4.00 plus €1.10 per kilometer. You can order a taxi by calling (+39) 075.500.4888.

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Discover more about Church of Sant'Ercolano

The Church of Sant'Ercolano, also known as Chiesa di Sant'Ercolano, is a captivating religious edifice dedicated to Saint Ercolano, the patron saint of Perugia. Constructed between 1297 and 1326, the church stands near the ancient Etruscan walls, marking the spot where the saint was martyred in 547 AD. Ercolano was a bishop who was beheaded for trying to trick the Goths that the city could withstand the siege. The church's architecture is a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Originally, the church had two stories, but the upper level was demolished in 1542 to improve the view from the Rocca Paolina. The exterior is characterized by its unique octagonal tower shape, giving it a fortress-like appearance. The main entrance is accessed via a double staircase that was added in 1607. Inside, the church features a richly decorated Baroque interior. Frescoes by Giovanni Andrea Carlone (1675) depict the glory of Saint Paul and scenes from his life. The apse contains a 17th-century copy of Perugino's Altarpiece of the Decemvirs, flanked by canvases of Saint Ercolano by Matteuccio Salvucci. The high altar is a Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd-4th century, which contains the relics of Saint Ercolano. The church underwent extensive restoration between 2003 and 2006.

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