Gubbio

A day in Gubbio, stone town of Umbria

Known as the “city of stone”, it stands on the side of Mt. Ingino: Gubbio will immediately win you over with its medieval charm through its labyrinth of alleys and narrow streets.

The long history of Gubbio

Gubbio's origins are rooted in ancient Umbrian civilisation, as evidenced by the so-called Eugubine Tables written in the Umbrian language and dating back to the third-first century BC. You can admire them in the rooms of the Museo Civico in Palazzo dei Consoli.

Gubbio's golden age began around 1000, at the time of the Communes. Under the leadership of Bishop Ubaldo, in 1100, the city won a war against Perugia. In the meantime, arts and crafts spread, including the manufacture of majolica. By the 1300s, the city took on the form it still has today. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Gubbio date back to this period.

A walk in the centre

Start your tour from the jewel of Gubbio, Piazza Grande or Piazza della Signoria, “hanging” square overlooking the city. On either side are the city's public buildings: Gothic-style Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Pretorio, facing each other. Also in the square, take a look at Palazzo Ranghiasci Brancaleoni.

A stone's throw away is the Renaissance-style Ducal Palace. From the gardens of the Ducal Palace, a beautiful view of the city. Look at the tall, narrow door at the side of the large gate: it is the Dead Man's Door. According to legend, the coffins of the dead passed through here. Along the walls, located just above the palace dating back to 1200, there are six gates, some of which are still decorated with paintings and city coats of arms.

Among the Churches, do not miss the Cathedral of Gubbio dedicated to Saints Marian and James. Also worth a visit, the Church of St Francis. It is said that Francis was welcomed here after leaving his father's house and all his possessions. Located at the foot of the city, where the market was held in the Middle Ages. Still visible is the long Loggia dei Tiratori built in the 1600s by the guild of weavers. Where their freshly woven woollen cloths were draped.

The real wonder of Gubbio, however, is the Fontana dei Matti (Fools) in front of the Bargello Palace. Three laps around the fountain, getting wet in the presence of a resident of Gubbio and the Fool’s title is yours.

Where to go nearby

Just step outside the mediaeval walls of Gubbio and another world of surprises unfolds: the Roman theatre, the Roman mausoleum nearby, the Abbey of San Secondo, the 17th-century Madonna del Prato richly decorated with stuccoes and the Vittorina Church built precisely where, according to legend, St Francis met the wolf.

The Bottaccione Gorge

The Bottaccione Gorges, ideal for a trip, is just outside Gubbio. It is a deep Gorge caused by the erosion of the Carmignano stream, but it is also rich in historical evidence. There is an aqueduct that runs along the Gorge dating back to the Middle Ages.

Also located in the Gorge is the Monastery of Sant'Ambrogio, which stands near a prehistoric citadel dating back to the Palaeolithic period. The hermitage dates back to the 1300s and was known for its strict rules and inaccessible location guaranteeing silence and solitude. Don't miss the visit, starting with the underground caves and ending with the frescoes in the Church. 

Atop Mount Igino: the Basilica of St Ubaldo

The Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo is located right at the top of the mountain that watches over Gubbio, but don't worry, if you don't feel like hiking, you can reach it with a comfortable cable car and you will have the whole town at your feet. The urn with the body of Saint Ubaldo, patron saint of Gubbio, is kept here. The famous race of the Festa dei Ceri is on 15 May.

The Church is of medieval origin, but during the 1500s it was enlarged with the addition of the convent and cloister. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the exterior, enter to admire the richness of the five naves and the frescoes depicting the life of Saint Ubaldo.