Rocca Paolina
Umbria
Rocca Paolina is a Renaissance fortress located in Perugia, Umbria, constructed between 1540 and 1543 by order of Pope Paul III and designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. It was built over the demolished medieval quarter of Santa Giuliana, including residences of the Baglioni family and numerous houses, churches, and towers, transforming former city streets into underground passageways that are now open to visitors. The fortress symbolized papal power over Perugia until it was partially destroyed during the 1848 uprisings, rebuilt in 1860 by Pope Pius IX, and eventually demolished after Perugia's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Today, the remaining underground sections reveal the historical layers beneath the city, blending Etruscan, Roman, and medieval architecture, including the preserved ancient Porta Marzia. The site also hosts contemporary artworks, such as Alberto Burri's kinetic sculpture "Grande Nero," and serves as a cultural venue for various events. Visitors can explore the atmospheric subterranean corridors connected by escalators linking the modern city with the ancient acropolis.
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Tip: The best time to visit Rocca Paolina is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for cultural events held within the fortress. The underground passages can be accessed via an escalator from the bus station area, making it easily reachable. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the extensive subterranean corridors.
Interesting facts
- •Rocca Paolina was built over an entire medieval district, including over 300 houses, churches, and towers.
- •The fortress incorporates the ancient Etruscan gate Porta Marzia into its brick walls, preserving a significant archaeological feature.
- •The underground passageways of Rocca Paolina were once city streets and houses, now transformed into a captivating subterranean maze.
- •Alberto Burri's "Grande Nero," a large kinetic sculpture, is installed inside the fortress's Water Hall, an old water reservoir.
- •Since 1983, a mechanized escalator connects the fortress underground to the Etruscan acropolis, facilitating visitor access.
History
Rocca Paolina was constructed between 1540 and 1543 to assert papal authority over Perugia, replacing the homes of the rebellious Baglioni family and demolishing the entire Santa Giuliana district.
It was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Alessandro Tomassoni, representing an early example of Italian bastioned fortifications.
The fortress was partially destroyed during the 1848 uprisings and rebuilt in 1860 by Pope Pius IX.
Following Perugia's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the fortress was systematically dismantled, leaving only the underground sections.
Restoration efforts in the 20th century uncovered these subterranean remains, which have since been opened to the public as a unique "underground city."
Place Guide
Underground Passageways16th century
These subterranean corridors were once the medieval streets and houses of Santa Giuliana, now transformed into a fascinating underground city showcasing layers of Perugia’s history from Etruscan to Renaissance times.
Porta Marzia3rd century BC
An ancient Etruscan gate embedded in the fortress walls, Porta Marzia is a rare surviving example of Etruscan architecture, carefully preserved within the Rocca Paolina's brick fortifications.
Water Hall and "Grande Nero" Sculpture1984 (sculpture)
The Water Hall was originally a large reservoir for potable water. Since 1984, it houses Alberto Burri’s "Grande Nero," a monumental kinetic sculpture composed of six black steel elements, the only kinetic work by the artist.
Escalator Connection1983
Since 1983, a mechanized escalator connects the fortress underground from the bus station area to the Etruscan acropolis, allowing easy pedestrian access and linking modern Perugia with its ancient roots.
Contact
Phone: 075 368 1405
