Perugia boasts an incredibly vast historic, artistic and cultural heritage with Etruscan, Roman, medieval, Renaissance and modern treasures housed in its museums. It is also home to important universities such as the University of Perugia and the University for Foreigners. These institutions give the city a cosmopolitan flair, which becomes even more evident during the Umbria Jazz event.

The Rocca Paolina fortress (1542) offers a unique and fascinating spectacle with escalators that carry people up to the historic city centre through large areas that are also used throughout the year for important cultural events. There are numerous buildings in the city centre of historical interest, the most important of which is Palazzo dei Priori ( 14th century), one of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in existence. This imposing structure houses the Sala dei Notari (Hall of Notaries) and the National Gallery of Umbria, containing the largest collection of works by artists such as Perugino, Pinturicchio, Angelico, Benozzo Gozzoli, Piero della Francesca and many others. Not far from here is the Collegio del Cambio (Exchange Guild), a Renaissance masterpiece completely decorated with frescoes by Perugino. In Piazza IV Novembre square you will find the Fontana Maggiore, one of the largest fountains in the world, and the cathedral of San Lorenzo (16th century), which has countless works of art.

The Etruscan Arch (or Arch of Augustus), dating back to the 3rd and 2nd century B.C., was the main gate of the Etruscan city walls. Next to the arch you will find Palazzo Gallenga Stuart, or Palazzo Antinori, which has housed the prestigious University for Foreigners since 1926.

The small towns and villages that abound in the Perugia district, with their narrow alleyways and noble palaces, are no less fascinating. Corciano offers its visitors a noteworthy architectural, historic and artistic heritage and interesting cultural events throughout the year held in an enchanting atmosphere that has remained unchanged over the centuries. Deruta is famous worldwide for its traditional ceramics, examples of which are on display in the ceramics museum. Finally, Torgiano is well known for the goodness and high quality of its wines, celebrated in the Wine Museum founded by the Lungarotti family, owners of the winery by the same name.

The artistic crafts in the area are flourishing and include woodworking, gold jewellery making, embroidery and lacework, fabric making, glass art and mask making, in addition to the already mentioned majolica art produced in Deruta.

The extremely rich food and wine tradition, rooted in the cultivation of olives and grapes, consists of dishes made with characteristic local ingredients and tasty and creative cooking.