Rocca Paolina, Renaissance fortress in central Perugia, Italy
Rocca Paolina is a Renaissance fortress in central Perugia with underground passageways that preserve medieval streets and buildings. These subterranean passages reveal the original city buried beneath the modern one above.
Pope Paul III ordered the fortress built in 1540, commanding architect Antonio da Sangallo to demolish numerous medieval buildings and Baglioni family palaces. The destruction of these structures made way for the new military installation.
The fortress displays contemporary art alongside historical objects in its Renaissance spaces, serving as an active venue for exhibitions. You can experience how the building functions today as a cultural gathering place rather than just a historical monument.
The fortress is reached via escalators connecting Piazza Partigiani to Piazza Italia, making access straightforward. Operating hours extend from early morning until late evening daily, allowing flexible visiting times.
The fortress incorporates an ancient Etruscan gate called Porta Marzia from the 3rd century BC into its walls. This old gate was carefully disassembled and reassembled as part of the Renaissance structure.
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