Perugia was a long-time papal residence during the 13th century. Five popes were elected here: Pope Honorius III (1216–1227), Pope Clement IV (1265–1268), Pope Honorius IV (1285–1287), Pope Celestine V (1294), and Pope Clement V (1305–1314).[1] These elections took place in the Palazzo delle Canoniche adjoining the Perugia Cathedral.
The Cathedral contained the tombs of Pope Innocent III (1198–1216), Pope Urban IV (1261–1264), and Pope Martin IV (1281–1285).[1] These were destroyed by Gérard du Puy, the cardinal-nephew of Pope Gregory XI (1370–1378).[2]
During du Puy's tenure as papal governor during the War of the Eight Saints he pillaged the Duomo construction site for materials for his private fortress.[3] According to Heywood, due to du Puy's construction, "so certain did it appear that the Papal Curia was about to be transferred to Perugia that foreign merchants began to negotiate for the hire of shops and warehouses in the city."[3] The tomb of Pope Benedict XI (1303–1304) is still extant in S. Domenico.