Scenes from Perugia

Defensive walls, narrow alleys and open piazzas lined with weathered stone buildings are all classic features of the historic center of ancient Italian towns. What distinguishes Perugia are its steep winding stairs and breathtaking views overlooking the plains along the Tiber River. Here are some scenes I enjoyed during the Eurchocolate fest there!

Up the stairs to the historic city center

Inside the Palazzo dei Priori in the Sala dei Notari (the former town council hall) allocated to the notaries’ guild in 1582. The frescoes date from the late 1200’s. I was drawn to this building, guarded by a lion and a griffin- the griffin was my high school’s mascot!

The Griffin and the Lion are symbols of Perugia, the capital of the province of Umbria. The Griffin was chosen as the official symbol of the city in medieval times because of its association with strength, courage and intelligience. The Lion represents the Guelfs, the side that supported the Pope in the feud with the Ghibellines.

Up close…. the original griffin and the lion (replicas guard the exterior of the building) were probably cast in the Arsenal of Venice in the 13th century, and were the first European bronze castings made since antiquity, “in the round”, to stand without support. And to my fellow St. Joe’s/MonDon/Donovan Catholic alumni- Go Griffins!