Family Vacation - Perugia (8)

Perugia is the capital of Umbria province which was the last city we visited. This city was founded by Etruscan 6th century BC and fell to Romans in 310 BC and given the name Perusia. During middle age, the city was racked by many internal feuding and external invasions. In 1538 the city was incorporated into papal state and under papal control for 3 centuries. Eventually this city was united with other Umbria towns, became part of kingdom of Italy in 1860. Now, it is a beautiful modern city in a valley and hilltop of old historic city combined.
Perugia is also famous for its Italian chocolate brand named Baci, which means Kiss in English. So, we went to visit the Perugia chocolate factory to see how the chocolate was produced, and test many different kinds of chocolate. The kids were so excited and had handfuls of free samples. It's worth a trip. After that we drove from the valley going up to the mountain. The building structures in the valley are tall, modern and pretty, and the streets are clean. We found an indoor parking lot and walked 55 steps up to the entrance of an interesting modern tunnel, and took 6 very long escalators through the ancient castle to go up the street level of old mountain top city center. We strolled along the square to see museo archeologico nazionale dell' Umbria and palazz(palace) dei Priori and Duomo( big church) and famous Fontana Maggiore. (Marble fountain). Unfortunately we had no time to visit the palace and cathedral to see their arts pieces. Being late afternoon by then, we decided to have dinner in the street cafe, and at the same time, cerebrated my son-in-law and grandson's birthday. (8/24/2018)

modern cosmopolitan building in valley

converted from ancient castle, the path way to go up to street level

escalator exit through this medieval building

old city square ( two daughters and I )

tunnel to escalator 

alley down to many stores

San Lorenzo Duomo ( cathedral) of 15th century

palazzo dei Priori built 1293-1443

Mable Fontana Maggiore built 1275-1278

sala dei notari ( assembly house for nobility ) built 1290s

Duomo Gothic doorway

2 Perugia griffin above the plate

street cafe in evening

we had dinner here, the restaurant is inside alley 55 steps
below street level   

restaurant inside the alley

medieval building