Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence's Cathedral), Perugia (must see)
Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral, or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral in Perugia. Dedicated to Saint Lawrence, it has served as the archiepiscopal seat of the Archdiocese of Perugia-Città della Pieve since 1986. With a history stretching back to the bishopric's establishment, the cathedral's current structure was designed by Fra Bevignate in 1300, initiated in 1345, and completed in 1490. Its façade, adorned with an unfinished white and pink marble lozenge design, reflects a project partially inspired by Arezzo Cathedral.
Unlike traditional layouts, the cathedral's flank faces the bustling IV Novembre Square. The Braccio Loggia, a Renaissance addition by Fioravante Fioravanti, adds architectural charm, while remnants of the old Roman wall and the "Justice Stone" from 1234 echo Perugia's layered history. A statue of Pope Julius III by Vincenzo Danti stands here, commemorating his local contributions.
The cathedral’s interior is a striking Church Hall concept, with a nave and two aisles of equal height spanning 68 meters. The Holy Ring Chapel houses the revered relic of the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring, accompanied by intricate Renaissance reliquaries. Highlights include the apse’s wooden choir by Giuliano da Maiano and Domenico del Tasso, the Sacrament Chapel featuring Cesare Nebbia's Pentecost, and the Baptistery Chapel with its Renaissance marble perspective.
The cathedral's artistic centerpiece is Federico Barocci’s Deposition from the Cross in the Chapel of Saint Bernardino. Other notable elements include frescoes by Gian Antonio Pandolfi in the sacristy and a museum showcasing works by Meo da Siena, Andrea Vanni, and Luca Signorelli. Manuscripts from the 10th century and Renaissance sculptures enrich the cathedral's cultural heritage.
With its blend of historical significance, artistic treasures, and architectural elegance, Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral remains a symbol of Perugia's religious and cultural identity.
Unlike traditional layouts, the cathedral's flank faces the bustling IV Novembre Square. The Braccio Loggia, a Renaissance addition by Fioravante Fioravanti, adds architectural charm, while remnants of the old Roman wall and the "Justice Stone" from 1234 echo Perugia's layered history. A statue of Pope Julius III by Vincenzo Danti stands here, commemorating his local contributions.
The cathedral’s interior is a striking Church Hall concept, with a nave and two aisles of equal height spanning 68 meters. The Holy Ring Chapel houses the revered relic of the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring, accompanied by intricate Renaissance reliquaries. Highlights include the apse’s wooden choir by Giuliano da Maiano and Domenico del Tasso, the Sacrament Chapel featuring Cesare Nebbia's Pentecost, and the Baptistery Chapel with its Renaissance marble perspective.
The cathedral's artistic centerpiece is Federico Barocci’s Deposition from the Cross in the Chapel of Saint Bernardino. Other notable elements include frescoes by Gian Antonio Pandolfi in the sacristy and a museum showcasing works by Meo da Siena, Andrea Vanni, and Luca Signorelli. Manuscripts from the 10th century and Renaissance sculptures enrich the cathedral's cultural heritage.
With its blend of historical significance, artistic treasures, and architectural elegance, Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral remains a symbol of Perugia's religious and cultural identity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Perugia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence's Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence's Cathedral)
Sight Location: Perugia, Italy (See walking tours in Perugia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Perugia, Italy (See walking tours in Perugia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Perugia, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Perugia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Perugia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Perugino and Renaissance Art Walk
Perugia today is a well-known cultural and artistic center in Italy that regularly plays host to a multitude of annual festivals and events. The most glorious period in the history of the city, from an artistic standpoint, lasted from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
Perugia’s most celebrated artist, Pietro Vannucci (1450–1523), better known as “il Perugino”, nicknamed so after his... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Perugia’s most celebrated artist, Pietro Vannucci (1450–1523), better known as “il Perugino”, nicknamed so after his... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Perugia Introduction Walking Tour
Perugia was one of the twelve foremost cities of the Etruscan Federation. It was mentioned by Quintus Fabius Pictor, a Roman historian. He tells of a military expedition of Fabius Maximus Rullianus against the Etruscan League and Perugia in 309 BC.
By 216 BC, Perugia had seen the light and allied itself with Rome in the Second Punic War against Carthage. Things went swimmingly until 41 BC.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
By 216 BC, Perugia had seen the light and allied itself with Rome in the Second Punic War against Carthage. Things went swimmingly until 41 BC.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles