Venues of Music Fest Perugia
Basilica di San Pietro
Historically recognized as a global landmark for acoustics, the Basilica di San Pietro holds a legendary status among the world’s musical elite. Maestro Herbert von Karajan famously nominated this space as one of the finest acoustic environments in Europe, a sentiment echoed by the "Divine" Maria Callas, who graced this stage for a historic performance in 1949. Even Queen Elizabeth II was left in awe of the spiritual and architectural grandeur during her visit.
Beyond its sonic perfection, the Basilica houses one of the most significant art collections in Umbria. Performers and audiences are surrounded by a breathtaking gallery of masterpieces, including works by Perugino, Caravaggio, Vasari, and Vassilacchi. To perform at Music Fest Perugia within these walls is to step into a living museum, where every note resonates against a backdrop of centuries-old genius. It is not just a concert; it is an encounter with the sublime..

Sala dei Notari
Located in the absolute heart of Perugia at Piazza IV Novembre, this 13th-century hall was the city’s seat of power for centuries. Today, it is a world-renowned stage that has hosted icons like Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Maurizio Pollini, Beatrice Rana and Uto Ughi, along with modern masters like Heinz Holliger and Ilya Gringolts. Notably, the hall’s legendary acoustics also enchanted jazz royalty, having hosted an unforgettable performance by the "Prince of Cool," Chet Baker, as well as Stevie Wonder and Stefano Bollani.
The hall is the centerpiece of our festival, hosting our signature evening concerts with orchestra. Between the original medieval frescoes and the massive Romanesque arches, the space offers a clear, powerful acoustic that makes every orchestral performance feel historic. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in the center, making it the true home of the festival’s community.

Teatro Pavone
The Teatro del Pavone was born from the ambition of Perugian nobles who, between 1718 and 1723, sought a grander stage for the city’s burgeoning arts scene. Its name—and its soul—comes from the 1772 masterpiece by Francesco Appiani, a stunning curtain depicting the goddess Juno and her sacred peacock (Pavone).
This horseshoe-shaped jewel box has been a sanctuary for the greatest names in Italian performing arts, from the legendary Eleonora Duse to Ermete Novelli, Ermete Zacconi, and Paola Borboni.
Following a meticulous reconstruction completed in 2024, the theater has finally reopened its doors to a new era of music. Music Fest Perugia is proud to have returned to this historic stage, restoring its original purpose by producing our signature Opera evenings here. There is no better place to experience the drama of the human voice than within these gilded boxes, where the 18th-century acoustics have been perfectly preserved for a new generation of performers.

Teatro Morlacchi
Inaugurated in 1781 and named after the celebrated Perugia composer Francesco Morlacchi, this theater is the undisputed temple of classical music and opera in Umbria. It represents the 'Teatro all’italiana' in its finest and most authentic form, featuring five tiers of gilded boxes and a breathtaking ceiling that creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Its history is intertwined with the greatest names in music; most notably, in 1846, Giuseppe Verdi chose this stage to present his opera 'I Lombardi alla prima crociata', personally supervising the production. As the city's largest venue, the Morlacchi has hosted the world’s most legendary personalities across all genres. From classical titans like Martha Argerich, András Schiff, Grigory Sokolov, Igor Levit and Emanuel Ax, to the absolute royalty of jazz including Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Getz and Keith Jarrett.
Music Fest Perugia made its historic debut here on July 19, 2013, with the gala 'Una Serata Italiana,' cementing a partnership that brings the finest modern performers to this historic landmark.

Oratorio di Santa Cecilia
Tucked away in the medieval heart of Perugia, along the atmospheric tower-houses of Via Fratti, the Auditorium Santa Cecilia is a Baroque jewel of rare beauty. Designed at the end of the 17th century by the architect Pietro Baglioni, this venue enchants visitors with its harmonious Greek-cross plan and its majestic domed ceiling.
Originally built as a place of devotion for the Congregation of the Filippini, the Auditorium was restored to its former glory in 2001 after a meticulous renovation. Today, it is celebrated by international musicians for its exceptional acoustics: its unique architectural shape acts as a natural resonator, ensuring a sonic clarity and tonal warmth that make every concert an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Sala della Vaccara
Located on the northern side of the Palazzo dei Priori, the Sala della Vaccara is a place where Perugia’s civic history meets spiritual grace. Built around 1339 on the site of the ancient Church of San Severo, this hall served as the city’s very first municipal archive. Today, its rugged stone walls and magnificent ribbed cross-vaults create an atmosphere of monastic calm and historical depth.
The hall is a living gallery, housing precious frescoes dedicated to the patron saints of commerce and craft, alongside a serene 15th-century masterpiece of the Umbrian School: the Madonna and Child with Saints by Tiberio d'Assisi. For musicians and audiences alike, the Sala della Vaccara offers a unique, "contained" acoustic—intimate and clear—making it the ideal setting for solo recitals and early music where every delicate nuance can be felt.

Sala del Consiglio
The Sala del Consiglio, located on the first floor of the Palazzo dei Priori, serves as the majestic assembly hall for Perugia’s City Council. This chamber is a unique space where the city's ongoing political life meets its deep Renaissance roots. One of the most significant artistic features is the lunette positioned above the entrance door, which contains a beautiful fresco by Pinturicchio depicting the Virgin Mary between two angels.
The room also acts as a sanctuary for the city's legal history by housing the original Pietra della Giustizia, or Stone of Justice. Dating back to 1234, this stone is inscribed with a historic decree that cleared the public debts of Perugia's citizens, symbolizing an early commitment to civic welfare. While visitors often see the copy located outside under the Logge di Braccio, the original remains here, adding a layer of gravity to the room where local laws are still debated and passed today.

Chiesa di Santo Spirito
The Church of Santo Spirito is a cornerstone of Perugia's spiritual and musical life, blending deep historical roots with a welcoming contemporary spirit. Located in the charming Piazza Perroni, this sacred space is renowned for its long and storied history within the city. For decades, the church has been a vibrant community hub under the long-standing leadership of Don Saulo, whose openness and kindness have made it a beloved home for the arts.
The architecture of Santo Spirito provides a serene and reflective atmosphere, characterized by its elegant simplicity and traditional Italian church design. Its interior serves as a natural acoustic chamber, where the soaring ceilings and stone walls allow classical melodies to resonate with a warm, intimate quality. This unique environment has made it a favorite venue for Music Fest Perugia, offering an setting where the divine beauty of the surroundings perfectly complements the mastery of the performers.

Auditorium San Francesco al Prato
The San Francesco al Prato complex is one of Perugia's most evocative sites, often referred to as the "Pantheon of Perugia" because it served as the burial place for the city's noble families. Built in the 13th century, its architecture is a striking example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles.
The 2024 reopening marks a new chapter for this space. After losing its roof in the 18th century due to structural instability, the church spent decades as an "open-air" ruin before the recent restoration transformed it into a modern, functional auditorium. This blend of ancient stone walls and a contemporary high-tech roof creates a unique acoustic and visual environment, as seen in the acclaimed production of Rigoletto.
