PALAZZO DEI PRIORI

The palace of the Priors is a superb expression of the communal spirit of Perugia and is considered one of the most beautiful Italian town halls. Its construction began in 1293, followed by numerous alterations over the next three centuries. When the Papal State was in power, the palace underwent architectural transformations of questionable taste. These were removed during the post-war restorations. Its structure is an exemplary figure of communal design: solid lines, three-lobed windows and rows of Guelph battlements adorning the upper part. Its severe mass, made of square stone, rises up from the piazza IV Novembre like an enormous bastion. The staircase leading to the square was added in 1902. Above the portal, the bronze sculptures represent the griffin and the lion (symbols of the city and the Guelph party respectively). These are not the originals, as they have been removed and displayed in the council chamber inside the palace. The Salone dei Notari, decorated with 13th-century paintings, is entered through a 14th-century three-arched porch, but the façade overlooking Corso Vannucci is worth a look.

A staircase leads to the Sala dei Notari, built between 1452 and 1457. In the Sala dell'Udienza, covered with frescoes of mythological and sacred motifs, are the masterpieces of Pietro Vannucci, known as Il Perugino, and his pupils (including Raphael), including the famous Self-portrait (without concession) of the artist.