Palazzo di Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People Palace), Perugia

The Piazza Matteotti was originally known as Piazza Sopramuro, "Plaza above the wall." It was built in the 13th century, standing on the edge of a steep cliff. The square is supported by walls erected against the hillside, thus the name "above the wall." The square was used as a market place with a view of the valley until 1472.

The Captain of the People Palace and the Old University of Perugia closed off the view by 1481. Lombard architects Gasparino di Antonio and Leone di Matteo built the Palace to have a doorway akin to the doorway of the Town Hall. Its two windows are edged with Renaissance wreaths. The lunette over the door has a statue of Justice.

A severe earthquake in 1741 demolished the third floor of the palace. The floor was replaced by a mezzanine. The ground floor has gothic arches. The Old University was constructed in 1453, adjacent to the palace. By 1514, to comply with the designs of Fiorenzo di Lorenzo, two additional stories were built.

Gothic archways to the left of the palace lead to the Lanari Room. The Lanari Room, once in a while, is used as a venue for arts and crafts. There are also a covered market with underground parking, elevators and a terrace with views of the valley and the south part of town.

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Sight Name: Palazzo di Capitano del Popolo (Captain of the People Palace)
Sight Location: Perugia, Italy (See walking tours in Perugia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Perugia Introduction Walking Tour

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.

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

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鈥檚 most celebrated artist, Pietro Vannucci (1450鈥�1523), better known as 鈥渋l Perugino鈥�, nicknamed so after his... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

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