Rocca Paolina

Why it matters

Rocca Paolina was commissioned by Pope Paul III after the Salt War of 1540, a revolt against a papal salt monopoly that ended with Perugia's surrender. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designed a fortress intended to consolidate papal authority and suppress the power of the Baglioni family. Its construction absorbed houses, towers, streets and religious buildings into the stronghold.

What to notice

The surviving undercroft preserves parts of the medieval quarter beneath the later fortress. The Etruscan Porta Marzia, dating to the third century BC, was incorporated into the fortress's outer front. A modern sculpture by Alberto Burri, Il Grande Nero, has also been displayed within the complex.

Context and history

Construction ran from 1540 to 1543. In 1848, Perugians partially demolished the fortress as a symbol of papal rule. After 1860, further sections were removed, including those occupying today's Piazza Italia. Parts of the papal palace cellars survived these demolitions and now preserve evidence of the medieval quarter and the fortress built above it.