Perugia Sotterranea (Underground Perugia), Perugia

Underground Perugia offers a captivating journey through time, revealing the layers of history beneath the surface of Saint Lawrence's Cathedral and its two cloisters. This sacred area, situated on the acropolis of the old town, has witnessed the evolution of Perugia from its Etruscan origins in the sixth century BC to the present day.

The archaeological exploration below the cathedral unveils a rich tapestry of Perugia's history, showcasing its significance as a sacred space dedicated to religious buildings and rituals for over two and a half millennia. The acropolis, traditionally the core of ancient settlements, retained its role throughout the centuries, enduring phases of destruction and reconstruction.

The foundations of two temples, believed to date back to the sixth and second centuries BC, lie vertically aligned with the high altar of the Cathedral. These ancient structures provide glimpses into Etruscan Perugia and its enduring connection with the sacred.

The acropolis, with its steep slopes, necessitated the construction of majestic containment spurs within the hill to prevent collapses. These spurs, crafted from large travertine blocks without mortar, showcase the engineering prowess of the Etruscan community.

Around the second century BC, a monumental wall encircled the acropolis, serving both as a containment structure for the hill and an architectural marvel. A well-preserved section of this travertine wall, approximately 15 meters high and 40 meters long, still supports part of the town, including Piazza IV Novembre, the main square. The precision in the placement of the squared blocks, set in parallel rows without mortar, creates a slightly slanting wall, strategically designed to resist the pressure of the hill earth.

This imposing wall, combined with the sacred buildings on the acropolis, must have presented a breathtaking spectacle, radiating with vibrant colors. Adjacent to the wall, remnants of a pedestrian ramp leading to the hilltop reflect the strategic planning of the Etruscans.

In the sixth century AD, responding to the Gothic threat, the ramp suffered partial destruction to accommodate the addition of a Byzantine tower. The surviving base of this tower stands as a testament to the adaptive measures taken during times of external threats, underscoring Perugia's resilience through the ages. The underground exploration of Perugia provides a unique opportunity to connect with the mysteries of its past, inviting visitors to ponder the profound questions that span from the Etruscans to the present day.