Wander along Via San Francesco and discover multiple sightseeing destinations located next to one another. Walk along this short road and the alleys branching off it to find a stunning stone church, chapels from different eras of Perugia’s history and a museum of fine arts held in a convent. A charming, grass-covered piazza and medieval stone houses make it one of the prettiest streets in the area.
Explore a street that was first inhabited by Franciscan monks at the start of the 13th century. Since then, this part of Perugia has been inextricably linked to that monastic order and the city’s religious observances.
Admire the façade of the Church of San Francesco Al Prato, which dominates the piazza of the same name. This frontage was built in the 1920s in the Cosmatesque style, which is typified by tessellated geometric patterns. The church was damaged by an earthquake in the 1990s.
Explore the adjoining chapels of the church, where many religious artworks originated. Visit the National Gallery of Umbria to see panels from the medieval altarpieces that once decorated these chapels.
Also on Piazza San Francesco is the Museum of the Academy of Fine Arts, hosted in an old Franciscan convent. Browse three sections of the museum dedicated to plasterwork, paintings and drawings. Seek out the self-portrait of Mariano Guardabassi, who posed with a parrot.
Visit the Oratory of San Bernardino, which was built in 1461 by Franciscan monks and designed by Agostino di Duccio. Marvel at the multicolored façade depicting the miracles of San Bernardino. This was crafted from different types of stone.
Turn down the alleys that come off Via San Francesco to find even more historical sights. Visit churches dedicated to St. Luca and Madonna of Luce. Find the Trasimena Gate, one of the last remnants of Perugia’s Etruscan walls.
Walk for about 10 minutes west of Piazza IV Novembre to reach Via San Francesco or take a funicular railway up to the street from the parking lot by Viale Pompeo Pellini.
