Province of Perugia

Province of Perugia
Name	Province of Perugia
Native name	Provincia di Perugia
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	43, 06, 43.56, N...
Region	Umbria
Capital	Perugia
Area total km2	6334
Population total	657786
Population as of	2017
Postal code	06100, 06010-06089
Telephone prefix	075, 0578, 0742, 0743
Vehicle code	PG
ISTAT	054
President	Luciano Bacchetta
Website	http://www.provincia.perugia.it

Province of Perugia. It is one of the two provinces in the Umbria region of central Italy, encompassing the larger northern and central portion of the region. Its capital is the historic city of Perugia, which serves as both the provincial and regional capital. The province is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the fertile plains of the Tiber Valley to the rugged peaks of the Umbrian Apennines, and is rich in medieval hill towns, artistic heritage, and culinary traditions.

Geography

The province's territory is predominantly hilly and mountainous, defined by the central spine of the Umbrian Apennines, which includes massifs like Monte Subasio and the Monti Sibillini on its eastern border with Marche. Major river systems include the Tiber River, which flows south from Tuscany through the wide Valtiberina and past cities like Perugia and Todi, and the Nestore and Chiascio, important Tiber tributaries. The western border is marked by the large, tectonic Lake Trasimeno, Italy's fourth-largest lake, while the southeastern area features the dramatic Marmore Falls on the Velino River. Notable plains are found around Foligno and in the Tiber Valley, providing vital agricultural land.

History

Human settlement dates to the Umbri and Etruscans, with significant archaeological sites like the Etruscan Well in Perugia and the Ipogeo dei Volumni near Perugia. Following Roman conquest, it became part of the Via Flaminia corridor, with important municipia at Perusia (Perugia) and Tuder (Todi). During the Middle Ages, it was a contested landscape of independent communes like Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, and Spoleto, often at war with each other or with the Papal States, which eventually established control. Key historical events include the Battle of Lake Trasimeno (217 BC) during the Second Punic War, the life of Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, and the province's incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 following the Risorgimento.

Government and politics

The provincial administration is based in the Palazzo della Provincia in Perugia. The president of the province, elected directly, heads the local government, which coordinates municipal services, provincial roads, and environmental protection across its 59 comuni. It operates within the framework of the Italian Constitution and under the oversight of the Region of Umbria. Historically, political life has been influenced by the strong presence of left-wing and center-left parties, reflecting the region's post-World War II political traditions, though local administrations vary across municipalities.

Economy

The economy is diversified, with a strong agricultural sector producing renowned PDO and PGI products such as Sagrantino di Montefalco wine, Olive oil from the Spoleto and Assisi hills, and the prized Norcia black truffle. Industry is concentrated in the Foligno and Terni valleys, with manufacturing, textiles, and food processing. A significant economic driver is tourism, drawn to art cities like Assisi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Perugia, Gubbio, and Spello, as well as to Lake Trasimeno and the Marmore Falls. The province also hosts major cultural events like the Umbria Jazz Festival and Eurochocolate.

Culture and landmarks

The province is a heartland of Umbrian Renaissance art and Medieval architecture. Landmarks include the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, the Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia housing the National Gallery of Umbria, and the perfectly preserved medieval centers of Gubbio and Todi. It is the birthplace of saints like Francis of Assisi and Clare of Assisi, and artists such as Perugino and Pinturicchio. Annual events include the Corsa dei Ceri in Gubbio, the Calendimaggio festival in Assisi, and the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto.

Municipalities

The province comprises 59 municipalities (*comuni*). The largest by population are the capital Perugia, followed by Foligno, Città di Castello, Spoleto, Gubbio, Assisi, and Todi. Other notable *comuni* include the walled town of Deruta, famous for its majolica pottery; Montefalco, known as the "Balcony of Umbria" for its views and wine; Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno; and Norcia, renowned for its norcineria (pork butchery) and proximity to the Sibillini Mountains.

Category:Provinces of Italy Category:Umbria