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Monument · Perúgia, Úmbria
Arco Etrusco
The most intact gate of Perúgia's Etruscan wall, made of large stone blocks, restored in the time of Augustus, who left the inscription AUGUSTA PERUSIA.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Arco Etrusco
The Arco Etrusco is one of the seven gates of the wall the Etruscans built around Perúgia, then called Perusia, one of the cities of the Etruscan league. Made of large travertine blocks fitted without mortar, it is the most monumental and best-preserved gate in the city.
After the war of Perúgia in 40 BC, when Octavian besieged and burned the city, it was rebuilt under the name Augusta Perusia. The inscription AUGUSTA PERUSIA on the arch dates from that time. For this reason the gate is also called Arco di Augusto.
In the 16th century a Renaissance loggia was added above the left tower, with a fountain beneath. The gate opens onto Piazza Fortebraccio, where the Palazzo Gallenga is located, home to the Università per Stranieri, the university for foreigners that has taught Italian since 1925.
Passing through the arch follows the line of the ancient main street of the Etruscan city, today Via Ulisse Rocchi, which climbs up to the cathedral.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 minutes.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the light hits the stone blocks. Combine it with the walk up Via Ulisse Rocchi to the cathedral.
How to get there
It is located in Piazza Fortebraccio, in the northern part of the historic center. From Piazza IV Novembre, walk down Via Ulisse Rocchi from the back of the cathedral in about 5 minutes.
Tip
Look for the inscription AUGUSTA PERUSIA above the arch and the Renaissance loggia on the tower. The descent is steep: on the way back, take it slowly.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Arco Etrusco
Is the Arco Etrusco really Etruscan?
Yes. The structure of stone blocks is Etruscan; the inscription AUGUSTA PERUSIA was added in Augustus' time, and the loggia above the tower in the 16th century.
Do you have to pay to see the Arco Etrusco?
No. It is outdoors, in a public square.
What's near the arch?
The Piazza Fortebraccio, with the Palazzo Gallenga, headquarters of the Università per Stranieri, and the Via Ulisse Rocchi, which leads up to the cathedral.