Of the purely local histories mentioned above Bonazzi’s is the most important. His two bulky volumes are excellent reading in spite of his sarcastic and often unjust bitterness against the clerical party. A number of local pamphlets, the names of whose authors we cannot here enumerate, have been used for various details, together with other books on a variety of subjects, such as Dennis’ “Etruria,” Broussole’s “Pélerinages Ombriens,” Hodgkin’s “Italy and her Invaders,” etc., etc.
When all is told, by far the most valuable and trustworthy authority on Perugian matters is Annibale Mariotti. A local gossip who combines with his gossiping qualities an exquisite sense of humour, and a real genius for investigation in matters relating to his native town, is the person of all others from whom to learn its actual life and history. Mariotti is an eminent specimen of this class of writers, and no one who is anxious to understand the spirit of Perugia should omit a careful study of his works on the Popes, the People, and the Painters of Perugia.
For personal help received we have the satisfaction of offering in this place our sincere thanks to Cav. Giuseppe Bellucci, professor at the University of Perugia, whose wise and kindly counsel has led us throughout to an understanding of countless points which must, without him, have remained unnoticed or obscure. Our notes on the museum are practically his own. We would mention also with grateful thanks Dr Marzio Romitelli, Arcidiacono of the cathedral of Perugia, who generously opened his library to us, and many of whose suggestions have been of service to us. To Count Vincenzo Ansidei, head of the Perugian library, our sincere thanks are offered here.
We must further acknowledge the help of Signor Novelli of Perugia; of Mrs Ross, Mr Hayllar, and Cav. Bruschi, head of the Marucelliana Library at Florence. Lastly, of Mr Walter Leaf and Mr Sidney Colvin in the revision of proofs.
The comfort of our quarters in the Hotel Brufani needs no description to most Italian travellers, who are already familiar with that delightful house; but we are glad to mention here our appreciation of the care and thoughtful kindness shown to us by our English hostess in the Umbrian town. The courtesy received by us at headquarters from the Prefect of Umbria and Baroness Ferrari his wife, made our stay, from a purely social point of view, both easy and delightful.
To close these prefatory notes we can but say how sincerely we trust that the following pages may serve only as a preparation, in more capable hands, for further and far fuller records of a city whose history is as enthralling to the student of men as its pictures and position must ever be to the lover of what is beautiful in nature and in art.
August 21st, 1897.
Am Hof. Davos.
CONTENTS
| [CHAPTER I] | |
|---|---|
| PAGE | |
The earliest Origins of Perugia and Growth of the City | [1] |
| [CHAPTER II] | |
The Condottieri and the Rise of the Nobles | [33] |
| [CHAPTER III] | |
The Baglioni. Paul III. and last years of the City | [58] |
| [CHAPTER IV] | |
The City of Perugia | [82] |
| [CHAPTER V] | |
Palazzo Pubblico, The Fountain and the Duomo | [109] |
| [CHAPTER VI] | |
Fortress of Paul III.—S. Ercolano—S. Domenico—S. Pietro—S. Costanzo | [151] |
| [CHAPTER VII] | |
Piazza del Papa, S. Severo, Porta Sole, S. Agostino and S. Francesco al Monte | [178] |
| [CHAPTER VIII] | |
Via dei Priori—Perugino’s House—Madonna della Luce, S. Bernardino and S. Francesco | [201] |
| [CHAPTER IX] | |
Pietro Perugino and the Cambio | [216] |
| [CHAPTER X] | |
The Pinacoteca | [230] |
| [CHAPTER XI] | |
The Museum and Tomb of the Volumnii | [267] |
| [CHAPTER XII] | |
In Umbria | [290] |