In the highest point of Perugia, in Piazza Raffaello, the San Severo Chapel houses a Renaissance gem: the fresco of the Trinity and Saints, begun by Raphael in 1505 and completed by Perugino in 1521. It is the only work by Raphael still visible in the city, a direct comparison between the innovative pupil and his master. The chapel, which survived the 18th-century renovations of the church, is now a small museum managed by the cooperative Le Macchine Celibe, open to the public with variable hours throughout the year.
• Raphael’s fresco (upper part) and Perugino’s (lower part)
• Only remaining work by Raphael in Perugia
• Admission €4, reduced €2, free for under 6
• Accessible for people with motor disabilities
Events nearby
A single frescoed wall brings together two Renaissance masters: Raphael and Perugino. Visit the San Severo Chapel in Perugia, in the heart of Porta Sole.
- Via Raffaello, Perugia (PG)
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Introduction
If you think of Perugia and Raphael, the San Severo Chapel is the place to be. A single frescoed wall, a dialogue between two giants of the Renaissance. It is the only work by Raphael left in the city, and an unfinished one at that, completed by his master Perugino. You walk in and stand there, gazing: on one side, the innovative power of the young Raphael; on the other, the somewhat weary grace of the elderly Perugino. A confrontation that captivates you, simple and direct, as few things can.
Introduction
If you think of Perugia and Raphael, the San Severo Chapel is the place to be. A single frescoed wall, a dialogue between two giants of the Renaissance. It is the only work by Raphael left in the city, and an unfinished one at that, completed by his master Perugino. You walk in and stand there, gazing: on one side, the innovative power of the young Raphael; on the other, the somewhat weary grace of the elderly Perugino. A confrontation that captivates you, simple and direct, as few things can.
Historical Notes
The Cappella di San Severo was originally part of a 15th-century church entrusted to the Camaldolese monks since the 12th century. In 1505, Bishop Troilo Baglioni commissioned Raphael to paint a fresco for the church. The artist painted the upper part (Trinity and saints) but in 1508 left for Rome, summoned by Pope Julius II, leaving the work unfinished. After Raphael’s death in 1520, the monks commissioned Perugino to complete it, and in 1521 he added six saints in the lower part. In the 18th century, the church was rebuilt, but the frescoed wall was preserved and turned into an independent chapel.
Timeline:
Timeline:
- 1505: Raphael begins the fresco
- 1508: Raphael leaves for Rome
- 1520: Raphael’s death
- 1521: Perugino completes the work
- 18th century: church rebuilt, the chapel remains isolated
Historical Notes
The Cappella di San Severo was originally part of a 15th-century church entrusted to the Camaldolese monks since the 12th century. In 1505, Bishop Troilo Baglioni commissioned Raphael to paint a fresco for the church. The artist painted the upper part (Trinity and saints) but in 1508 left for Rome, summoned by Pope Julius II, leaving the work unfinished. After Raphael’s death in 1520, the monks commissioned Perugino to complete it, and in 1521 he added six saints in the lower part. In the 18th century, the church was rebuilt, but the frescoed wall was preserved and turned into an independent chapel.
Timeline:
Timeline:
- 1505: Raphael begins the fresco
- 1508: Raphael leaves for Rome
- 1520: Raphael’s death
- 1521: Perugino completes the work
- 18th century: church rebuilt, the chapel remains isolated
The Fresco in the Eye: Raphael and Perugino Compared
The fresco is a unique piece: two different hands meet on the same wall. At the top, Raphael’s Trinity: God the Father, Christ, angels, and saints like Mauro and Placido. The figures are full of life, with strong chiaroscuro that makes them almost sculptural. At the bottom, Perugino’s saints – Scholastica, Jerome, John the Evangelist – appear more elegant but also flatter, as if the master were repeating old patterns. In the center, a terracotta Madonna and Child attributed to Leonardo Del Tasso. It is a visual comparison that alone is worth the visit: on one side, the genius who was changing art, on the other, the master who had set the standard.
The Fresco in the Eye: Raphael and Perugino Compared
The fresco is a unique piece: two different hands meet on the same wall. At the top, Raphael’s Trinity: God the Father, Christ, angels, and saints like Mauro and Placido. The figures are full of life, with strong chiaroscuro that makes them almost sculptural. At the bottom, Perugino’s saints – Scholastica, Jerome, John the Evangelist – appear more elegant but also flatter, as if the master were repeating old patterns. In the center, a terracotta Madonna and Child attributed to Leonardo Del Tasso. It is a visual comparison that alone is worth the visit: on one side, the genius who was changing art, on the other, the master who had set the standard.
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Perugia
The chapel is located in Piazza Raffaello, in the Porta Sole district, at the highest point of Perugia. The exterior is unassuming: a brick wall, a sober façade. You enter and find yourself in a small, intimate room, where the fresco covers the entire back wall. It is an intimate, almost secret place. The Camaldolese monks conceived it as a prayer space, but also open to the public. Today it is managed by the cooperative Le Macchine Celibi, which oversees its opening. Admission is charged (4 euros, reduced 2), but it’s worth every cent. And yes, it is accessible to those with mobility difficulties.
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Perugia
The chapel is located in Piazza Raffaello, in the Porta Sole district, at the highest point of Perugia. The exterior is unassuming: a brick wall, a sober façade. You enter and find yourself in a small, intimate room, where the fresco covers the entire back wall. It is an intimate, almost secret place. The Camaldolese monks conceived it as a prayer space, but also open to the public. Today it is managed by the cooperative Le Macchine Celibi, which oversees its opening. Admission is charged (4 euros, reduced 2), but it’s worth every cent. And yes, it is accessible to those with mobility difficulties.
Why Visit
First reason: it’s the only Raphael work left in Perugia. You can’t miss it. Second: seeing two different styles on the same wall is a unique learning opportunity. Third: the ticket is cheap and the visit is quick – half an hour is enough – perfect to fit into a tour of the historic center. Finally, the intimate atmosphere makes you feel as if the fresco was there just for you.
Why Visit
First reason: it’s the only Raphael work left in Perugia. You can’t miss it. Second: seeing two different styles on the same wall is a unique learning opportunity. Third: the ticket is cheap and the visit is quick – half an hour is enough – perfect to fit into a tour of the historic center. Finally, the intimate atmosphere makes you feel as if the fresco was there just for you.
When to Go
The best time? Early morning, right when they open. The light coming through the window gently illuminates the fresco, without annoying reflections. Plus, you’re almost alone. If you can, choose May or September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. In August it’s open every day, but there are more people. In winter, hours are shorter, but the dim light makes the artwork even more evocative.
When to Go
The best time? Early morning, right when they open. The light coming through the window gently illuminates the fresco, without annoying reflections. Plus, you’re almost alone. If you can, choose May or September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. In August it’s open every day, but there are more people. In winter, hours are shorter, but the dim light makes the artwork even more evocative.
In the Surroundings
As you step outside, don’t miss the Church of San Severo, right next door, even though it’s from the 18th century. Then, just a stone’s throw away, the Porta Sole district with its medieval alleys. If you have time, head down to the center and visit the Maggiore Fountain in Piazza IV Novembre, but that’s another story. Around the chapel, the atmosphere is peaceful, far from the tourist chaos.
In the Surroundings
As you step outside, don’t miss the Church of San Severo, right next door, even though it’s from the 18th century. Then, just a stone’s throw away, the Porta Sole district with its medieval alleys. If you have time, head down to the center and visit the Maggiore Fountain in Piazza IV Novembre, but that’s another story. Around the chapel, the atmosphere is peaceful, far from the tourist chaos.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
The story of this fresco is steeped in regret: Raphael, summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II to decorate the Vatican Rooms, left the work unfinished. He died in 1520, and the elderly Perugino, his master, agreed to complete it in 1521, adding the saints in the lower register. It is said that Perugino, now surpassed by the times, worked with nostalgia, aware that he was finishing the last work of his most famous pupil. A single wall that tells the story of two generations of the Renaissance.