🏰 Rocca Paolina

The Rocca Paolina was a Renaissance fortress in Perugia, built between 1540 and 1543 by order of Pope Paul III, based on designs by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. Its construction entailed the destruction of a significant part of the historic city, including Etruscan, Roman, and medieval structures. Among the demolished buildings were the residences of the Baglioni family in the burgh of Santa Giuliana, along with over a hundred tower-houses, gates, churches, and monasteries. Former city streets were transformed into underground passageways, which are now accessible to the public.