Gubbio

A medieval town with ancient history and stunning architecture.candles. 

Some travel articles say that Gubbio is tied with Assissi for being Umbria's most medieval town. I have been to both, I thinkI will have to revist Assissi before I voice an opion but I must say Gubbio is all well preserved medieval buildings and has a unique feel. I share the opinion I have seen that identifies the crowds to see Florence, Pisa, Siena, Bologna or Assisi and the constant lines, are in contrast to your experience in Gubbio. Maybe the added work to take a train to Gubbio is a benefit? The train station for Gubbio is Fossato di Vico-Gubbio Railway Station, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Gubbio. The train from Rome is only two hours, but from the train station you have to take a buses (E052 and E022) to get to the center of Gubbio, just over a half an hour. Buses run approximately every 2 hours.

Located in the province of Perugia, this is one of the oldest towns in the Region. In 1444, the Iguvome Tablets were discovered. These are a set of bronze tablets written in Umbrian language.

The Piazza Grande holds the Palazzo dei Consoli, one of the most impressive city palaces and one that is the symbol of the city. The Palazzo Pretorio and the Renaissance-style Ducal Palace are all important buildings that have survived. The Gothic sytle palazzo dates to the XIV century. It now houses the civic museum that keeps the precious Tables of Gubbio.

In front of the Cathedral stands the Ducal Palace, built in the XV century by Duke Federico di Montefeltro. Inside you can admire the small study (a faithful copy of the original one exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum in New York) and a beautiful courtyard consisting of a series of arches supported by columns and decorated capitals.

Also of note are the Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo del Bargello.

Just outside the town are the remains of a Roman Theatre, which gives an indication of the level of importance of the town under Roman Rule.

We have been to Gubbiio a few times, with our most recent visit being 2023 were we stayed for a week. I enjoyed having time to go into town and just the streets and enjoy the atmosphere. I toured the Ducal Palace and will see the "sister Ducal Palace" of Duke Federioco di Montefeltra when we are in Urbino on our 2024 Italian trip.

A " cable cage" takes you to the top of Ingino Mountain, about 900 m and from there you can admire the Cathedral of St. Ubaldo which holds the remains of Sain Ubaldo as well as some famous candles. The nickname is the Bird Cage, as it is a small cage that can hold two people standing for the ride up and down. You can walk to the station from the town.