Arco Etrusco (Arch of Augustus)
An ancient Etruscan gateway and Roman arch, part of Perugia's formidable walls, offering a glimpse into millennia of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Arco Etrusco (Arch of Augustus)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Etruscan gateway and Roman arch, part of Perugia's formidable walls, offering a glimpse into millennia of history.
"Beautiful arch, unfortunately not car-free."
🚶♀️ Walk Around
Explore the surrounding streets for a full appreciation of the arch's integration into the city.
📚 Read the Plaques
Understand the rich history and significance of the arch and its walls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arch Itself
An imposing Etruscan gateway with Roman additions, a testament to ancient engineering and history.
Ancient City Walls
Marvel at the massive, gravity-defying walls that have stood for centuries, resisting sieges.
Historical Context
Learn about the 40 BC siege and the significance of Emperor Augustus's name being associated with Perugia.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
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A medieval arch and aqueduct in Perugia, Italy. [OC]
🚶♀️ Walk Around
Explore the surrounding streets for a full appreciation of the arch's integration into the city.
📚 Read the Plaques
Understand the rich history and significance of the arch and its walls.
What are the main attractions in Perugia?
8 days Perugia or Florence
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
The arch is not car-free; be aware of vehicles passing through.
Looking for some inspiration and ideas for our 4-day trip to Perugia (Aug)
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Around
Explore the surrounding streets for a full appreciation of the arch's integration into the city.
📚 Read the Plaques
Understand the rich history and significance of the arch and its walls.
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
The arch is not car-free; be aware of vehicles passing through.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Arco Etrusco an imposing and historically significant landmark, appreciating its Etruscan and Roman heritage and the impressive ancient walls. However, some note that it is not entirely car-free, which can detract from the experience.
"Beautiful arch, unfortunately not car-free."
Andi König
""
czech head
"Imponente! Mura possenti semplicemente appoggiate una sopra l’altra senza legante, x semplice gravità, che hanno resistito a 7 mesi di assedio da parte dei romani. Da leggersi la spiegazione dell’assedio del 40 a.C. e del perché il nome Augusto sia presente sopra Perugia"
Giuseppe Guercio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arco Etrusco is located in the historic center of Perugia. If you're arriving by car, be aware that the area around the arch is not entirely car-free. Parking can be found in nearby garages, such as the Partigiani parking lot, from which you can take escalators up into the city center.
Yes, the arch is easily accessible on foot once you are in the historic center of Perugia. The city has a mini-metro system and buses that can take you close to the main attractions.
While the arch is a gateway, it is not entirely car-free. You can drive near it, but be mindful of traffic and consider parking in a designated garage and walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Arco Etrusco is a public monument and can be viewed and admired from the outside without any admission fee.
As an outdoor monument, the arch is accessible at all times. However, surrounding historical sites or museums might have specific operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to see the Arco Etrusco. It's a part of the city's historical fabric that you can freely explore.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the impressive Etruscan gateway, the ancient city walls that demonstrate remarkable engineering, and read about the historical context of the Roman siege and Emperor Augustus's connection to Perugia.
A brief visit to appreciate the arch and its immediate surroundings might take 15-30 minutes. If you plan to delve deeper into the history or explore the nearby ancient walls, allocate more time.
While there might not be specific tours solely for the arch, many general walking tours of Perugia's historic center will include this significant landmark.
Try capturing the arch from different angles, including its scale against the city. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance its texture and grandeur. Be mindful of traffic.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, making it ideal for capturing the arch's details. Late afternoons can provide a warm, golden glow.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of the exterior of the Arco Etrusco. However, always be respectful of the area and any local regulations.
For ancient structures, consider using a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field to isolate details, or a smaller aperture for a greater depth of field to capture the entire structure. Experiment with different angles to showcase its scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting Perugia with children, utilize the city's escalators and moving walkways to make navigating the hilly terrain easier. Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the historic center, and consider a picnic lunch in one of the city's squares after admiring the arch. The arch itself is an open-air site, making it easy to visit without strict time constraints.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Florence
Allocate about 30-60 minutes to fully appreciate the arch and its immediate surroundings. Combine your visit with a stroll through Perugia's charming streets and perhaps a quick taste of local Umbrian cuisine before heading back to Florence. Remember that the arch is not car-free, so be mindful of traffic when taking photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arch of Augustus: A Gateway Through Time
Visitors can appreciate the imposing structure and imagine the countless individuals who have passed through this gateway over millennia. The arch is not just a historical relic; it's an integral part of Perugia's urban fabric, still serving as a passage within the city. Understanding the context of the 40 BC siege, as mentioned in historical accounts, adds another layer of appreciation for the resilience of these ancient fortifications.
While the arch itself is a primary draw, exploring the surrounding ancient walls is highly recommended. These walls are a remarkable example of dry-stone construction, where massive blocks are stacked with incredible precision, relying on gravity for stability. Their survival through centuries of history, including sieges, is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.
Navigating Perugia's Historic Center
When visiting the Arco Etrusco, take the opportunity to wander through the adjacent streets. You'll discover hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and local eateries. The ancient walls that the arch is part of extend further, offering more opportunities to appreciate Perugia's defensive history. Reading the informational plaques scattered throughout the historic center can provide valuable context and enrich your understanding of the sites you encounter.
For those arriving by car, as mentioned in travel discussions, it's important to note that the immediate vicinity of the arch is not entirely car-free. Planning your parking and understanding the city's unique vertical transport system will significantly enhance your visit and make navigating the hilly terrain much easier.
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