Side Jog: Perugia — July 21 - 22, 2022

Having successfully finished our Via Francigena walking route, we stayed a restful two days in Lucca and then, with our batteries recharged, we proceeded by train in the direction of Rome.  We got off in Siena to pick up again on our search for more of the contrade; after three days happily museum-touring and meandering the hilly cobblestone streets, we jumped on a train again.  This time, we took a side jog to Perugia, the hilltop capital of Umbria.  A block away from our accommodation, we entered a passageway through the huge medieval fortress wall that rings part of the historic city centre — stone steps led us to a well lit underground labyrinth of hallways, vaulted rooms, and nooks and crannies that we explored.  Upon riding an escalator up from there, we exited into the sunshine at a viewpoint with wide vistas out across the scenic hills and countryside of Umbria.  Assisi would be visible on a less hazy day.  Our evening consisted of a stroll along the pedestrian old city piazzas and connecting streets and supper on an outdoor patio.  Tomorrow — Rome!

Left photo:  walking on the outside of the fortress wall

Right photo:  the stone steps inside the wall (looking back down at the entrance)

Three photos above:  exploring inside the fortress wall

Left photo:  exiting at the top of the fortress wall

Right photo:  Umbrian vista from the top of the wall

Two photos above:  and more scenes from up there

Two photos above:  historic city of Perugia

Three photos above:  street scenes in Perugia

Top photo:  sunset as seen from Perugia’s hilltop position

Bottom photo:  early morning view the next day