However, Rocca Paolina's history is not merely one of domination but also of rebellion and transformation. Following the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the fortress was viewed as a symbol of oppression by the local population. In a dramatic act of defiance, the citizens of Perugia demolished much of the fortress, reclaiming their cityscape.
Today, Rocca Paolina stands as a complex blend of ancient and modern, its ruins integrated into the fabric of Perugia's urban landscape, serving as a reminder of the city's tumultuous past and its enduring spirit of resilience.