Day 13: Perugia, Sunny, 26°

Holly Crap! This Town Is Steep! 

I was up and away from my dungeon at a reasonable hour at about 9 o’clock. I figured if I got out and walked the city centre early that there would be fewer tourists and locals running around on a Sunday.

This photo is taken from the Basilica across and facing towards city hall.



There’s lots of history in these parts. Perugia and Umbria have been at odds with the pope over the centuries. I read that at one point they refused to send their taxes to the Vatican, and in retaliation, the pope sent his armies. The Papel armies prevailed, and the pope built the Basilica, which is in the centre of the main square. He also put a large bronze statue of himself outside the door of the Basilica, pointing directly to the City Hall with a clear message that there was to be no more rebellion. 

Even though I knew that it would annoy Rob, or perhaps because I knew it would annoy Rob, I went into the Basilica to have a look😂 I’ve seen better, but it was pretty good


I’ve seen a few too many Italian basilicas and churches perhaps in the last year, right?
The ceiling was quite splendid and unusual. 


I walked across the Piazza and into City Hall to have a look at the chambers. They’re quite magnificent!

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I’m sitting on the steps out front of this beautiful building writing this post and I’ve just noticed that I have 5G service here. The pictures are uploading with incredible speed! This is something to look forward to at home as it becomes installed across the country.










I continued my walk through all the windy streets going up and down steep little roads and stairs. This is the aqueduct that has been turned into a walkway, and basically transits a part of the old town bringing pedestrians up into the heart of the old city.



There goes the 12 o’clock gong! 

I never tire of the bells in Europe. This means it’s time to go down the hill again. Nice looking little Italian trattoria with good ratings that I located as a possible lunch spot. I’ll finish this later.

I need not have hurried as I was the first one there. I’ve learned that by 12:30 the good places are full. When I walked by earlier the smells coming out the door were amazing! 

As I write this, it’s actually starting to fill up. I’m pretty excited for this meal because I’ve only been eating out at lunch of late. As I’ve said, it’s not the most fun to go for dinner alone. Eating out at least once each day gives me a chance to gain confidence with my language skills. Presently I’m in an apartment so I can make my own dinner. 



I also went to the central museum which had a special exhibit, but I found it so crowded that I left the exhibit and went across to the standard collection. The art is of course, stunning everywhere you go. Some is better than others, but I find that most of the galleries that I’ve seen in Italy are always excellent! 




You might have noticed that this is a closeup from the above painting. The detail is incredible! 
A side note, the restaurant is full within 20 minutes of opening. I was right to scout it out and walk down when it opened. The foods is very good! Fresh pasta tagliatelle with a meat sauce and the house wine. I’ve asked for a takeaway for dinner tonight. I’ll stop at the grocery store and pick up breakfast food and then that’s taken care of. Yes, it’s served on paper plates😎







I’m pleased that I made the trek to Perugia. A good decision. Tomorrow I’ll walk to Assisi. From what I can see from these heights it looks to be downhill then fairly flat. I’m looking forward to getting back on the trail again. Perhaps there will be opportunities to make videos for the grandchildren? It should be hot, so an early start is in order. 

Oh, he just brought my takeout. Looks like a lot of food! This should be very interesting!🤣❤️