The ancient history of a pre-eminent jurist’s residence

The magnificent noble residence overlooking Corso Vannucci, the very heart of Perugia, took on its current appearance in the second half of the sixteenth century. During this period, the Baldeschi family—descendants of the renowned jurist Baldo degli Ubaldi (1327–1400)—decided to give a unified architectural vision to a series of composite buildings originally constructed for the family from the 14th century onwards. These structures occupied the area now enclosed by Corso Vannucci, Via Danzetta, Via Baldo, Via dello Struzzo and Via Baglioni.

In 1369, Baldo, professor of law in several universities and author of fundamental works on canon and commercial law (including the first legal treatise on the bill of exchange), decided to separate his residence from that of his brothers, who built two adjacent houses of their own. This original nucleus was expanded with further additions in 1480 and again between 1489 and 1496. Finally, around the 1570s, the Baldeschi decided to renovate these still medieval structures in a more suitable and modern style, merging them into a single building. On that occasion, the elegant travertine portal that today serves as the main entrance was constructed.

The grand piano nobile, which preserves original frescoes and furnishings, was largely decorated around the mid-19th century by the talented Marchigian painter Mariano Piervittori from Tolentino.

A story that lives on

In 2002, the property was purchased from the Baldeschi family by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia, with the aim of turning it into a venue for cultural events.The palace now houses the Foundation’s prestigious art collection,offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Umbrian art from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, from Perugino to Gerardo Dottori.