Perugia: The Heart of Umbria

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ar-ree-ve-der-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [per fa-voh-reh/preh-go]
• Thank youGrazie
  [gra-tzee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spya-che]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [par-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non ka-pee-sko]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, per fa-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non man-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, per fa-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ai-oo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dan-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoy ab-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy mohs-trar-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-ssee-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-yet-toh, per]

Perugia's origins date back to the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in the region around the 8th century BCE. The city was one of the twelve confederated cities of the Etruscan League. Remnants of this period include the Etruscan Arch and the well-preserved Etruscan Well, which provide a glimpse into the advanced engineering and urban planning of this ancient civilization.

In 310 BCE, the Romans began their conquest of the Etruscan cities, and Perugia was no exception. The city was fully integrated into the Roman Empire by the 3rd century BCE. Perugia played a significant role during the Roman era, serving as a strategic military outpost. The Roman influence is still visible today in the city's layout, with remnants of Roman walls and gates.

During the Middle Ages, Perugia became a significant center of power and culture. The city was often embroiled in conflicts between the Papal States and the Holy Roman Empire. In the 14th century, Perugia was under the rule of the powerful Baglioni family, who were known for their ruthless and ambitious nature. The construction of the Rocca Paolina fortress in the 16th century by Pope Paul III marked the end of the Baglioni dominance and the city's submission to papal control.

Perugia experienced a cultural and artistic flourishing during the Renaissance. The city became a hub for artists, including Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, who was the teacher of Raphael. The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, reflecting the city's significant contribution to this pivotal period in art history.

In the 19th century, Perugia played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. The city was a site of major uprisings against papal rule, culminating in the Perugia Uprising of 1859, which was brutally suppressed by papal forces. However, this resistance contributed to the larger movement for Italian unification, and in 1860, Perugia was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. Today, Perugia is a vibrant university city, known for its rich history, cultural festivals, and culinary delights.

Perugia is located in the Umbria region of central Italy. The nearest major international airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, approximately 180 kilometers away. From Rome, you can take a train to Perugia, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, Perugia has its own small airport, San Francesco d'Assisi Airport (PEG), which handles domestic flights and some international routes. Buses and taxis are also available for connections from nearby cities.

Perugia has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and a mini-metro. The mini-metro connects the main train station to the city center and other key locations. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those who prefer to explore on their own, car rentals are available, but be mindful of the narrow and winding streets in the historic center.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Perugia, and most accept international cards.

Perugia is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Some areas near the train station have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so it's best to stay vigilant and avoid walking alone at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. The local hospital, Santa Maria della Misericordia, is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire such as beachwear in the city center. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A 'Ciao' or 'Buongiorno' is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Italy.

To experience Perugia like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about the city. Don’t miss the chance to explore the underground city, a network of medieval streets and buildings beneath the modern city. For a unique experience, attend the Umbria Jazz Festival in July or the Eurochocolate Festival in October.