On the slopes of the Apennine Mount Igino, Gubbio is Umbria's oldest town, well preserved over the centuries and rich in monuments which evoke its glorious past.
The Iguvine Tablets, one of the most important Italic documents, and the Roman Theatre,located just outside the walls, bear testimony to this ancient past. Dominated by the monumentalBasilica of St. Ubaldo,which houses the incorrupt remains of the saint, Gubbio boasts architectural masterpieces that symbolise and reflect the power once wielded by this medieval city-state.
Let’s begin our tour of Gubbio from theCathedral, an immense artistic treasure built in the last twenty years of the twelfth century. The scenic and panoramic Piazza Grande is also home to thePalazzo dei Consoli, a symbol of the city, built in the Gothic style and reflecting the importance of Gubbio in medieval times. The imposing complex of the Palazzo dei Consoli, the Palazzo Pretorio and the raised piazza that connects them was built in the first half of the fourteenth century and is now home to the art gallery and the archaeological museum. Inside are the Iguvine Tablets, which are the most important document for the history of the Italic peoples. Opposite the Duomo is the Ducal Palace, commissioned in the fifteenth century by Duke Federico of Montefeltro, where you can admire the small study - a faithful copy of the original exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum in New York - as well as an attractive inner courtyard consisting of a series of arches supported by columns and decorated capitals.
Just outside the ancient walls of Gubbio, you'll find theRoman Theatre, dating from the first century BC and restored in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, which still serves as a venue for classical plays and other performances, especially during the summer season. Another important stop on a holiday in Gubbio is the Ranghiasci Park, a green area that runs along the old walls, starting from one of the ancient walls and offering one of the best views of the city from above. And if you’re not feeling dizzy yet, it’s worth taking the cable car to the top of Mount Igino to admire the Basilica of St. Ubaldo, which houses the remains of the saint and the famous candles.
Gubbio's special feature is the "licence to be mad", which anyone can obtain by going to Largo Bargello and walking around its small fountain three times to earn the coveted recognition and citizenship of Gubbio. Umbria and the city of the mad await you: check out our holiday packages to Gubbio today and get ready for a new exciting adventure!
