About
The Oratory of San Bernardino stands in Perugia, the hilltop city in Umbria, at Piazza San Francesco al Prato. It is also known as the Oratorio di San Bernardino, and it is a Renaissance building whose facade is the main reason to stop.
The building and its facade
The oratory was built in the 15th century to honour Saint Bernardino of Siena, who preached in Perugia. The facade is the work of Agostino di Duccio and is carved with fine decorative detail in the Renaissance manner. Most visitors come to look at this front, so allow time to study it closely rather than passing quickly by.
What a visit offers
- A short, focused stop for lovers of Renaissance architecture and sculpture.
- A link to the city's religious history, since the oratory commemorates a saint who preached in Perugia.
- An easy addition to a walk around the city's historic centre and its open squares.
Because the oratory is a single building rather than a large museum, it suits a visit of an hour or so. It pairs naturally with exploring the surrounding streets, where Perugia's medieval and Renaissance character is visible at every turn.
To check the current visiting arrangements, you can call the oratory on +39 075 573 957.
