Perugia Cathedral
Umbria
Perugia Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Lawrence, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Dedicated to Saint Lawrence, it serves as the archiepiscopal seat of the Archdiocese of Perugia-Città della Pieve since 1986. The current building was initiated in 1345 based on a 1300 project by Fra Bevignate and completed in 1490, featuring an unfinished white and pink marble lozenge facade inspired by Arezzo Cathedral. Uniquely, the cathedral's flank faces the main city square, Piazza IV Novembre, alongside significant landmarks such as the Fontana Maggiore and Palazzo dei Priori. The Loggia di Braccio, an early Renaissance structure attributed to Fioravante Fioravanti, adorns the side facing the square, incorporating ancient Roman walls and the Justice Stone commemorating the clearing of public debt in 1234. The interior is a spacious hall church with a nave and two aisles of equal height, housing notable artworks including a wooden choir by Giuliano da Maiano, a Deposition from the Cross by Federico Barocci, and frescoes by Gian Antonio Pandolfi in the sacristy. The cathedral also contains relics such as the Holy Ring, the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary, and a marble sarcophagus with the remains of Pope Martin IV. The adjacent Cathedral Museum preserves Renaissance masterpieces and archaeological remains of the ancient Etruscan-Roman acropolis. The cathedral remains a cultural and religious hub, hosting events like the International Laurenziano Organ Festival and serving as a focal point in Perugia's historic and spiritual life.
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Tip: Visit Perugia Cathedral during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for special exhibitions or guided tours, especially during festival events like the Laurenziano Organ Festival. The cathedral offers free entry, but donations are appreciated. Wear respectful attire and check the official website for opening hours and special liturgical celebrations.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral's facade is uniquely oriented with its flank facing Perugia's main square, Piazza IV Novembre, rather than the typical frontal orientation.
- •The Justice Stone (Pietra della Giustizia) embedded under the Loggia di Braccio bears a 1234 inscription announcing the repayment of all public debt by the commune.
- •Saint Bernardino of Siena preached from the cathedral's 15th-century pulpit composed of ancient fragments and Cosmatesque mosaics.
- •The cathedral houses the relic known as the Holy Ring, believed to be the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary, stolen from Chiusi in 1473.
- •The wooden choir in the apse, created by Giuliano da Maiano and Domenico del Tasso, was damaged by fire in 1985 but remains a masterpiece of intarsia work.
- •The cathedral's campanile was constructed in the early 17th century (1606–1612).
- •The Deposition from the Cross by Federico Barocci (1567–1569) is considered the most important artwork inside the cathedral.
History
A cathedral has existed in Perugia since the establishment of the bishopric, with various locations until the 10th-11th centuries.
The current cathedral's construction began in 1345 following a 1300 design by Fra Bevignate and was completed in 1490.
It was consecrated officially in 1569 and later elevated in the 17th century with brick additions.
The exterior marble decoration was never fully completed.
Over centuries, the cathedral has undergone restorations and additions, including the Baroque portal in 1729 and the campanile built between 1606 and 1612.
The interior houses Renaissance artworks and relics, some relocated following Napoleonic seizures.
Place Guide
Loggia di Braccio1423
An early Renaissance loggia commissioned by condottiero Braccio da Montone in 1423, attributed to architect Fioravante Fioravanti. It features remnants of Roman walls and the Justice Stone, a symbol of Perugia's medieval civic pride.
Main Façade and Baroque Portal1729
The cathedral's main façade faces Piazza Danti and features a Baroque portal designed by Pietro Carattoli in 1729. The façade remains unfinished with visible hooks for a planned marble covering that was never applied.
Interior Nave and Aisles1345-1490
A hall church design with a nave twice the width of the aisles, measuring 68 meters long. The interior includes the sarcophagus of Bishop Giovanni Andrea Baglioni attributed to Urbano da Cortona.
Chapel of the Holy Ring15th century
Dedicated to the relic of the Holy Virgin's wedding ring, once frescoed by Pinturicchio and painted by Perugino (now in Caen). It contains a Renaissance goldsmiths' reliquary by Bino di Pietro and others.
Wooden Choir in the Apse1486-1491
An intricately intarsia-decorated wooden choir created by Giuliano da Maiano and Domenico del Tasso between 1486 and 1491, damaged by fire in 1985 but restored.
Sacrament Chapel1576
Designed by Galeazzo Alessi in 1576, it houses Cesare Nebbia's Pentecost altarpiece (1563) and a marble sarcophagus containing Pope Martin IV's remains.
Chapel of St. Bernardino1567-1569
Enclosed by a 15th-century railing, it features the cathedral's most important artwork, the Deposition from the Cross by Federico Barocci (1567–1569).
Sacristy1573
Frescoed entirely by Gian Antonio Pandolfi starting in 1573, the sacristy also contains architectural and sculptural fragments, including a head attributed to Giovanni Pisano.
Contact
Phone: 075 572 3832
