PERTGIA, a city of central Italy, capital of the province of its own name, stands on a lofty elevation, 800 ft. high, on the right bank of the Tiber, 10 m. e. of the lake of Perugia (ancient Laces Trasimenus). and 84 in. n. of Rome. It is surrounded with walls pierced with numerous gates, of which the Arch of Augustus (so called from the inscrip tion Augusta Pervsia over it, inscribed by Augustus) is the finest. It is the fie of a bishop, and contains upwards of 45 churches, and ninny monastic establishments. Its streets are wide, and there are several squares lined with massive buildings. The broad Corso, which contains the finest edifices, unites two squares, one of which is occupied by the Duomo, cr cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo, and dating from the end of the 15th century. It is in a fine, bold. Gothic style, and contains many excellent paintings, carvings, etc. _Many of the churches and convents are noble Gothic structures, and all of them are more or less famous for their pictures, some of which are by Raphael, Peru gino, and other great masters. In the vicinity of the city, a number cf tombs, supposed to mark the site of the necropolis of ancient Perugia, were discovered in 1840. 'rho tombs contain numerous beautiful cinerary urns, in marble and travertine; and lamps, vases, bronze armor, ornaments, paterte, etc.. were also found, but have for the most
part been removed to a neighboring villa. The university of Perugia, founded in 1320, is not one of the 17 state universities, but is supported by the province. It has various museums, and a library of 80,000 vols., with some valuable manuscripts. The attend ance is not numerous. Besides the picture-gallery of the academy of fine arts, there are numerous private art-collections. Perugia contains also many interesting palaces, a beautiful fountain, an exchange, theaters, etc. Velvet, silk stuffs, woolen goods, soap, brandy, and liqueurs, are manufactured; and a considerable trade is carried on.in corn, oil, wool, wine, and cattle. Pop. '72. 16,708.
Perugia, the ancient Perusia, was one of the twelve Etrurian republics. It became tributary to Rome 294 B.C. During the war between Mark Antony and Augustus, it was taken by the latter, and was burned down., It was captured by the Goths under Totila at the fall of the Western Empire. Under pope Paul III., it was united to the papal states. In 1860, it became a part of the kingdom of Italy under Victor Emmanuel.