Minimetrò - by Ian Caruana

When Perugia opened its light rail system from the historic center of Perugia to the outskirts of town in January of 2008, they named it the Minimetrò. The line begins at the Pincetto station off one of the main piazzas in town called Piazza Matteotti.

The Minimetrò winds down to the bottom of the valley through some newer neighborhoods just below the old historic center to the train station (Fontivegge stop), then onto the sports center at the end of the line (Pian di Massiano) with seven stops in total. There is public art and sculptures along the way taking Perugia into the 21st century as Italy moves forward to create a new history.

It takes about 10-12 minutes to arrive at the end of the line. The metro cars are fairly small and can seat eight but hold about 25 people when full during festivals such as Umbria Jazz. 

This futuristic Minimetrò was a quantum leap for a city that has a history that dates back about 2,700 years. The end of the line has a huge parking lot with a small mall and a weekly Saturday outdoor market with a variety of foods, art, and local products of all kinds. This is a place where you can get a drink or bite to eat, have your nails done or learn English. One can buy clothes or jewelry and even get your hair done.You can find a tanning bed, obtain tourist information, or dine at a gluten free restaurant and store. And that is just in the mall. 

It is also the home of the Sister Orca sculpture created by a Seattle area Artist Marvin Oliver and represents the sister city relationship between Seattle and Perugia. Rising from the water of a pond it connects and celebrates our histories.

A special celebration was held on July 5, 2013 to commemorate the Orca's fifth anniversary in conjunction with the 20th anniversary celebration of the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association.  Delegates from both cities, along with officials representing each municipality, paid honor to this very special Native American sculpture. 

Marylin Oliver Bard, the artist's sister, read a compelling poem describing the importance of this unique piece of art to the ongoing relationship between Seattle and Perugia.

With Seattle's aboriginal people believed to have been in the Puget Sound region for close to 10,000 years, it surpasses the known history of the almost 3,000 years of the Sabines and Etruscans of central Italy. But still, with this amazing piece of art, our future and our past are now shared with one another. 

If you are ever in Perugia, the Minimetrò is an interesting ride for a 1.50 Euro and you can appreciate the art along the way, as well as the tiny mall with all it has to offer. There is no doubt that this short excursion is part of LivingLifesBest.