Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Cathedral · Perúgia, Úmbria
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Gothic cathedral of Perúgia on the Piazza IV Novembre, with an unfinished pink-and-white marble side, the external pulpit of São Bernardino and the chapel of the Santo Anel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is the duomo (cathedral) of Perúgia. The current construction began in 1345 on top of an older temple and was only completed at the end of the 15th century. The main façade faces the Piazza Danti, but the best-known side is the one facing the Piazza IV Novembre and the Fontana Maggiore.
That side has a covering of pink-and-white marble lozenges that was never finished and covers only the lower part of the wall. There are the bronze statue of Pope Júlio III, the loggia of Braccio Fortebracci and the stone pulpit from which, according to tradition, São Bernardino de Siena preached to the crowd in the square.
The interior, with three naves of the same height, was decorated in the following centuries with stuccoes and paintings. In the chapel of the Santo Anello is the relic that tradition identifies as the Virgin Mary's wedding ring, displayed to the faithful on special dates.
In the chapel of São Bernardino is the Deposition of the Cross by Federico Barocci, one of the best-known paintings of the church. The complex also has a cathedral museum, with works of sacred art.
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 30 minutes for the church; about an hour with the museum.
Best time
Outside mass times. The steps facing the square fill up late in the afternoon.
How to get there
It is located on Piazza IV Novembre, next to the Fontana Maggiore and opposite the Palazzo dei Priori.
Tip
Entrance to the church is free; the museum has its own ticket. Come with shoulders and knees covered and keep quiet during services.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Why does the side of the cathedral look unfinished?
The pink and white marble cladding was never completed and covers only the lower part of the wall facing the square.
What is the Santo Anello?
It is the relic that tradition identifies as the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary, kept in a chapel of the cathedral.
Is there an admission fee?
In the church, no. The cathedral museum has its own ticket.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, as in many Italian churches: shoulders and knees covered.