Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria – top art gallery

As Umbria’s foremost art gallery, the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria celebrates its centenary in 2018. Flanking Corso Vannucci, the museum occupies a Gothic mansion dating back to the 13th century. Formerly the seat of the local magistracy, the palazzo boasts an ornate portal, mullioned windows
and fortress-like crenellations. Inside is a treasure-house of Umbrian and Central Italian art, displaying Byzantine-inspired 13th-century paintings, Gothic works by Gentile da Fabbriano, as well as Tuscan masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Fra Angelico. Also on show are masterpieces by hometown heroes, Perugino and Pinturicchio.

Next door is the palace’s 15th-century Collegio del Cambio This medieval money exchange is graced by Perugino’s frescoes, which fuse Classical and Christian themes. Pietro Vannucci (c1450-1523), better known as Perugino, was born near Perugia but found fame in Florence and Rome, where he decorated part of Rome’s Sistine Chapel before returning to his homeland. Raphael, the last true artist of the Renaissance, was born in Umbria in 1483 and was trained in Perugino’s workshop, work¬ing on frescoes in Perugia. He later left for glory in Florence and Rome.

Address: Palazzo dei Priori, Corso Vannucci 19, 06123 Perugia
Web: https://gallerianazionaledellumbria.it/en/