Jenna and I went to Perugia on Friday to Lewis and Clark the city for a larger group coming on Friday.
It's a fiercely anti-Papal city and it's art shows that. Compared to the classically Roman architecture and decoration in Spoleto, Perugia is more sharp angles and gothic arches. It's symbol, which adorns most of the classic buildings and city spaces, is that of a griffin attacking a small calf.
We went into an open doorway and saw what was known as the royal court. We had a free tour as a guide and his jean-shorted followers were in there as well. Apparently, a former prince of Perugia tried to unite the provinces and principates of Italy under his flag in the middle ages and was actually very successful.
The royal hall had artwork unlike anything else I've seen. On it's walls we're family seals and symbols and on the ceiling little stars were painted on each tile. There was one family seal that caught my eye. It was that of a grey hound with a chevalier's helmet. The helmet was adorned with the head of a unicorn and ribbons flown out the back. The dog also held a shield at it's front.
No comments:
Post a Comment