In 1504, the “Confraternita dei Disciplinati” also known as “Compagnia dei Bianchi” commissioned the most famous son of Città della Pieve, the Perugino, a great fresco in the ancient Church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, which then became an Oratory in the 18th century. It is one of Perugino’s masterpieces, the grace and elegance of its forms made him one of the most renowned Renaissance artists. The fresco shows a peaceful landscape inspired by the incredible views of Lake Trasimeno that Città della Pieve gifted him. In this landscape knights and nobles are gathered around the temple/hut where the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men are located. It took Perugino 29 days to complete his work, but he had to haggle for a lot more time to receive his wage. He asked for 200 florins, but the “Compagnia dei Bianchi” wasn’t intentioned to pay that much. He eventually gave up and accepted 75 florins and a donkey.

PERUGINO WALKING TOURS

Oratorio Santa Maria dei Bianchi, Museo Civico Diocesano Santa Maria dei Servi, Palazzo Corgna
Everyday
August 15
Italian and English tours at 10 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. | 5:45 p.m.
English, french and german tours upon request

Tour starts at the Info point