Introduction
Unlike the rest of Umbria which is gentle rolling hills, Gubbio is situated on the slopes of sharp angles of Monte Ingino. Gothic buildings cover the sides of this mountain which is crowned by the open air funicular. The slopes become festive at Christmas for they are blanketed with lights like a giant Christmas tree.
The Eugubine tablets, the most remarkable sample of Umbrian script, were written here between the 4th century and 2nd century BC. This town was successively in the hands of different powers: the Roman Empire, the Saracens, the Montefeltros and then the popes.
What to See and Do
In spite of its steep slopoes Gubbio is easy to discover as it is small. The buses finish their journeys at the hillfoot at Piazza Quaranta Martiri (40 martyrs) commemorating the death of Gubbio inhabitants who Nazis killed for being rebellious. From here walk up the hill to Piazza Grande. Corso Garibaldi and Piazza Oderisi are on the right . There is a lift leaving Piazza del Podesta going to the Palazzo Ducale and the cathedral.
Around Piazza Grande are the most stunning constructions this town boasts. The Palazzo dei Consoli constructed in the 14th century is supposedly created by Gattapone. Its façade and tower are so imposing that they are visible from any corner in town. Inside the palazzo is the Museo Civico exhibiting the bronze Eugubian tablets that were found out in the mid 15th century. In the upstairs the palazzo houses a pinacoteca whose collection is composed of pieces by the Gubbian school. The Palazzo del Podesta called Palazzo Pretorio is where the Town Hall sites today. It has a stunning vaulted ceiling which can be seen upon request.
To wend your way up to Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo where the saint’s remains are you have to take the Funivia Colle Eletto. Not an experience for easily frightened souls. The open air funicular travels along the wire hanging over the rocky hill. It is terrifying yet absolutely precious for its sights. On top of the hill, you have the basilica, a restaurant and grounds to picnic and stroll around.
On the second floor the Museo della Ceramica a Lustro e Torre Medioevale di Porta Romana keeps a lustro ceramics originated in Arab Spain, medieval and renaissance works. Its collection also features 18th century crossbows, targets and a chastity belt.
On Via Federico da Montefeltro (known as Via Ducale or Via della Cattedrale) are the Palazzo Ducale commissioned by the duke of Montefeltro modelled on the family ‘s palazzo in Urbino, the cathedral of Gubbio in pink dating back to the 13th century with Pinturicchio’s stained glass window and fresco (supposedly his) and the Museo Diocesano which is by the Palazzo Ducale. It houses pieces of Gubbio’s history during the Middle Ages.
The 13th century Gothic Chiesa di San Francesco on Piazza Quaranta Martiri is attributed to Perugian Fra Bevignate. Ottaviano Nelli created the frescoes in it. By the church is the convent and the Chiostro della Pace. The cloister features magnificent ancient mosaics and a tranquil garden to wander around. The Palazzo del Bargello dating back to the Middle Ages was then the police station and jail. It is located in the medieval section of Gubbio. The Fountain of Lunatics is said to drive those who dare to walk around the fountain three times. You will find it quite crowded with tourists trying to challenge the myth.
The Teatro Romano is near Piazza Quaranta Martiri. In spite of dating back to the first centuries it still puts on some summer concerts.
On 15th May yearly the Corsa dei Ceri (Candles Race ) is held on the streets of Gubbio. The date was chosen to honour to Sant’Ubaldo, Gubibio’s patron saint. Three teams compete by taking enormous candles of about 400 kilograms along the streets.
The Palio della Balestra is an archery competition between Sansepolcro and Gubbio. Competitors use medieval crossbows and all year round shops sell all elements related to the competition.
The production of ceramics in Gubbio was its economic resource in the Middle Ages. Today you can purchase some pieces at Leo Grilli Arte.
The tourist information office is in Piazza della Repubblica.
Where to Eat and Drink
Ristorante Fabiani on Piazza Quaranta Martiri offers inexpensive tourist menu or a bit more expensive gastronomic menu ,and fish specials on Fridays or Saturdays.
Ristorante la Furnace di Mastro Giorgio was given this name in honour of the famed Gubbian ceramist of the Middle Ages. His oven still stands on one of the ristorante’s walls. Its extensive wine list includes 500 labels and its menu provides traditional dishes with innovative touches such as its venison carpaccio wrapped with salt, olive oil and asparagus.
Taverna del Lupo in honour of the wolf (lupo) that saint Francis of Assisi tamed. It is said that that wolf came to this tavern to eat. It is en elegant spot to dine serving dishes prepared with local products from the Apennines.
La Madia di Giuseppe Enoteca offers wine, some snacks of local products and you can also purchase local products.
How to Get to /away
BY BUS : to Perugia (length: 1.10 hours, services 10 a day), to Gualdo Tadino (length: 50 minutes, services: 10 a day), to Umbertide ( length: 50 minutes, services: 3 a day). Piazza Quaranta Martiri is the departure point.
Inside Gubbio there are buses from Piazza Quaranta Martiri to the funicular and main sightseeing spots.
BY CAR: from Perugia drive along the SS298. From Ancona drive along the SS76. The way is sing posted. Piazza Quaranta Martiri has a spacious car park.
BY TRAIN: the nearest railway station is 18 km from Gubbio in Fossato di Vico. There are buses connecting Gubbio and Fossato di Vico. To Foligno (length:30 minutes, services: every hour).
