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Palace · Perúgia, Úmbria
Palazzo dei Priori
Gothic palace of medieval government in Perúgia, between Piazza IV Novembre and Corso Vannucci. It houses the Sala dei Notari, the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria and the Collegio del Cambio.
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 Palazzo dei Priori
The Palazzo dei Priori was built beginning in 1293 to house the priors, the magistrates who governed the free commune of Perúgia. The building grew in stages until the 15th century and follows the curve of Corso Vannucci, the main street of the centre, with Gothic trifora windows and a long white-and-pink stone façade.
On the side facing Piazza IV Novembre, a fan-shaped staircase leads to the portal with bronze figures of a griffin, symbol of Perúgia, and a lion, symbol of the Guelph party. That portal gives access to the Sala dei Notari, a medieval hall of wide arches, painted with biblical scenes and fables, which was the seat of the notaries' guild.
The palace is still the city hall. In the same building operate the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria on the upper floors and the Collegio del Cambio on the ground floor on the Corso Vannucci side, each with its own entrance.
The Corso Vannucci, in front of the palace, is where the people of Perúgia promenade in the late afternoon, with cafés and shops between Piazza Italia and Piazza IV Novembre.
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
Half an hour for the façade and the Sala dei Notari. Add the time for the Galleria Nazionale and the Collegio del Cambio if you plan to visit them.
Best time
In the morning is best for the Sala dei Notari, which may close on days with official events. In the late afternoon, Corso Vannucci in front of the palace becomes livelier.
How to get there
It is located in the middle of the historic centre, between Piazza IV Novembre and Corso Vannucci. From the Minimetrò (Pincetto station) or the Rocca Paolina escalators, it is a few minutes' walk.
Tip
The Sala dei Notari is used for city ceremonies and events; check whether it is open that day. Climb the fan-shaped staircase of the Piazza IV Novembre to see the griffin and the lion up close.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo dei Priori
What is the Sala dei Notari?
It is the large medieval hall of the Palazzo dei Priori, with stone arches and mural paintings. It was the seat of Perúgia's notaries and today hosts ceremonies and events.
Is the Palazzo dei Priori the same building as the Galleria Nazionale?
Yes. The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria is housed on the upper floors of the palace, and the Collegio del Cambio is on the ground floor. Each has its own entrance and ticketing.
What do the griffin and the lion on the portal represent?
The griffin is the symbol of Perúgia; the lion represented the Guelph party, allied with the pope, in the Middle Ages.