Medieval Gubbio sits on the slopes of Monte Ingino, in the foothills of the Italian Apennines. It sits 522 metres above sea level, in the Perugian province of Umbria. This ancient town dates back to the pre-Roman Umbrii tribe and owes much of its fame to the discovery here of the Eugubine (or Iguvine) Tablets, a set of bronzes that are the largest surviving example of ancient Umbrian text. It's perhaps a rather austere town, with its dark grey stone, Gothic architecture and narrow streets, but rather lovely. Many of the houses in the 'centro storico' date from the Middle Ages, when they were homes to wealthy Umbrian merchants. An idiosyncrasy of these dwellings is the porta dei morti (door of the dead) which typically lies a few inches from the main front door, so-called because these are popularly assumed to be the means by which coffins exited the houses. Highly unlikely, but an entertaining story.
Top attractions in Gubbio, include the Palazzo Ducale, begun in 1470 for ruler Federico da Montefeltro. The massive Palazzo dei Consoli (14th century) houses the aforementioned tablets. There is the first century BC Roman theatre, built of local limestone, and the Roman mausoleum, and the Palazzo and Torre Gabrielli. The 12th century Cathedral (Duomo di Gubbio) has a superb Rose window with a symbolic representation of the Four Evangelists, and there is the church of San Francesco, a 13th century edifice with two aisles. The 13th century Santa Maria Nuova, meanwhile is a typical Cistercian church with 14th century frescoes. See too the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo, outside the city, and the Museo Cante Gabrielli in the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo.
Other things to see in Gubbio include the famed palio of the Corsa dei Ceri, and this is a big rugby town ... so you could see the local 15 play while you're here.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Gubbio hotels.
