Rocca Paolina Tours and Activities

Rocca Paolina featuring heritage architecture


Explore a maze of tunnels and alleys, and visit markets, events and exhibitions in the foundations of a 16th-century fortress.

Once a mighty fortress dominating the Perugia skyline, today Rocca Paolina is a fascinating remnant of the city’s past. Walk through the remains of the castle and find charming gardens and an exhibition center in this atmospheric setting.

Uncover the castle’s history in the Rocca Paolina Museum. The castle was built in 1540 under the instruction of Pope Paul III Farnese, who wanted to assert his dominion over a once-free city. Locals hated this symbol of papal control and had destroyed most of the castle by 1860.

Enter the fortress through Porta Marzia, an ancient gate from the 3rd century B.C. that was incorporated into the castle. This doorway marks the start of the Etruscan town walls of Perugia. Inspect the figures from Roman mythology carved into the gate.

Weave through the cool stone tunnels of the fortress’ foundations to experience what life was like in medieval Italy. The castle was built around Borgo San Giuliano, a wealthy neighborhood that was consumed by Rocca Paolina. See the streets of this historic district preserved beneath the fortress. Take escalators up through the center of the tunnels to emerge in Piazza Italia.

Attend an event in the CERP, also known as the Rocca Paolina Exhibition Center. In the past, the center has been used for photography galleries, musical performances and contemporary art exhibitions.

Climb to the top of the fortress to find the Carducci Gardens, where the poet Giosuè Carducci wrote his poem Il Canto dell’amore. Sit in the shade of the trees and take in panoramic views of the city below. Look for iconic buildings like the Palazzo dei Priori and the Cathedral of St. Lorenzo. Come here on the last Sunday of each month to take part in Perugia’s antique fair.

Ride one of several buses that travel to Piazza Italia, which is just outside the Rocca Paolina. The historic complex is free to enter and to explore on foot, although some exhibitions may come with an admission fee.

Plan a trip to see Rocca Paolina

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Universal

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Rocca Paolina

Chocohotel
Chocohotel
3 out of 5
Via Campo Di Marte 134, Perugia, PG
Chocohotel
Sina Brufani
Sina Brufani
5 out of 5
Piazza Italia, 12, Perugia, PG
Sina Brufani
Hotel Sangallo Palace
Hotel Sangallo Palace
4 out of 5
Via L Masi 9, Perugia, PG
Hotel Sangallo Palace
Hotel Priori Secret Garden
Hotel Priori Secret Garden
4 out of 5
Via Vermiglioli, 3, Perugia, Provincia di Perugia
Hotel Priori Secret Garden
Hotel Fortuna
Hotel Fortuna
3 out of 5
Via Bonazzi 19, Perugia, PG
Hotel Fortuna
Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel
Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Corso Vannucci 97, Perugia, PG
Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel
Hotel Giò Wine e Jazz Area
Hotel Giò Wine e Jazz Area
4 out of 5
Via Ruggero d'Andreotto 19, Perugia, PG
Hotel Giò Wine e Jazz Area
Hotel Sant'Ercolano
Hotel Sant'Ercolano
2 out of 5
Via Del Bovaro, 9, Perugia, PG
Hotel Sant'Ercolano
Hotel Iris
Hotel Iris
2 out of 5
Via Marconi, 37, Perugia, PG
Hotel Iris
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.