Background

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo: Perugia's Piazza Masterpiece

Discover Perugia's spiritual heart at the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, a landmark of art, history, and devotion on Piazza IV Novembre.

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The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Perugia's cathedral, dominates Piazza IV Novembre with its unfinished facade and rich history dating back to the 9th century. Explore its art, relics, and the adjacent Museo del Capitolo di San Lorenzo.

A brief summary to Cattedrale San Lorenzo

  • Monday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the day and season.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the cathedral.
  • Explore the Museo del Capitolo di San Lorenzo to see more of Perugia's artistic treasures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From most points in Perugia's historic center, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is easily reachable on foot. Orient yourself toward Piazza IV Novembre, the city's main square, where the cathedral's side facade is located. The cathedral faces the Fontana Maggiore.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve Piazza IV Novembre. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the bus stop, the cathedral is a short walk across the piazza. The MiniMetro also provides access to the city center; from the MiniMetro station, follow signs towards Piazza IV Novembre.

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Discover more about Cattedrale San Lorenzo

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, or the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, is one of Perugia's most iconic religious structures, standing proudly on Piazza IV Novembre. Its history stretches back to the 9th century when an initial church was erected on the site of the ancient Etruscan-Roman forum, dedicated to the protomartyr Lawrence. No traces of that original building remain. The current church, designed in the 14th century, took its present form in the 15th century. The exterior of the cathedral is characterized by its unfinished facade and side walls clad in red and white marble. The main facade, which faces Piazza Danti, features a baroque portal from 1729 designed by Pietro Carattoli. The side wall, facing Piazza IV Novembre, includes a portal from 1568 by Galeazzo Alessi, above which a wooden Crucifix was placed in 1540 by the citizens of Perugia during the Salt War against Pope Paul III. Inside, the cathedral houses several notable works of art. At the beginning of the right nave, behind a wrought iron gate, is Federico Barocci's Deposition from the Cross (1567-1569). In the left nave, you can find the remains of the Pietà Altarpiece, sculpted by Agostino di Duccio in 1474, and the Gonfalone altar, displaying a processional banner painted by Berto di Giovanni in 1526. The cathedral also holds the revered relic of the Virgin's wedding ring, taken from Chiusi in 1473. From the sacristy, one of Perugia's finest Mannerist cycles is preserved. The colors of the stained-glass windows and the carved wooden choir from 1486, by Giuliano da Maiano and Domenico del Tasso, emerge from the darkness of the heptagonal apse. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Museo del Capitolo di San Lorenzo, which houses the Madonna Enthroned with Saints John the Baptist, Onofrio, Lawrence, and Herculanus by Luca Signorelli.

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