The Noble Collegio del Cambio contains rooms that were used by the banker’s guild that are covered in frescos. I had read that the rooms must be seen when in Perugia. It is actually in the town hall building around the corner from where I had just been. I walked in the door to see a room with incredibly beautiful wooden paneling and inlaid wood furniture. I took one photo and the receptionist told me “no photos.”
Well, at least I got the one. When I walked up to her, she told me that it cost 4.5€ to enter the other 2 rooms. That seemed pretty high for just two rooms; but since it was supposed to be “must see”, I paid up. Since I had my DSLR hanging on my shoulder, she reminded me about photos not being allowed again. As I walked into the first room, which was the council room, I knew there was no way that I could comply with her wishes. This room was just too gorgeous not to capture so I could remember it. After all, I wasn’t using flash, so what was the harm. The first room was absolutely amazing. It is said to be the best preserved 15th century secular room in Italy.
Talk about eye candy! The crossbow vaulted ceilings and walls were just covered with gorgeous frescos by Perugino. Perugino also did some of the frescos in the Sistine Chapel. Perugino put his self-portrait on one of the columns. I was thrilled that there was no one walking around to make sure that photos weren’t taken. I honestly don’t know how someone could resist taking photos to be able to remember the amazing sight they had just seen. I walked into the next room, which was smaller than the first. It is called the chapel of St. John the Baptist. Its frescos were done by an apprentice of Perugino. I was surprised that there were bright lights shining onto one section of the ceiling. I would think that it would possibly damage the artwork. This was such a beautiful experience and I was the only one visiting it. I guess the ticket price kept some people away or they just weren’t aware that something like this was there. But it was certainly worth the price and a “must see” when in Perugia.