Wondering ‘is Gubbio worth visiting?’ This charming medieval Umbrian town captured our hearts so much that we are planning our wedding here. So yes, if you ask me, Gubbio is definitely worth visiting! If you’re dreaming of exploring medieval towns, strolling cobblestoned streets and looking out over spectacular views and don’t want to do it with tourists everywhere, then this Umbrian town is for you.
Keep reading to find out all the reasons I urge you to visit Gubbio now!
Want to visit Gubbio with me? Join our Untold Italy Umbria Tour in Spring or Fall in 2023, 2024 or even 2025. We’ll show you Umbria from a local’s perspective, getting off the beaten track and taking you to all the best places. We spend a whole week together eating, drinking and exploring our way around. Find out more now!
7 Best Reasons to Visit Gubbio in 2023
When it comes to ‘what to do in Gubbio?’, these are some of the activities I’ll be suggesting to our friends and family who visit to celebrate our wedding in 2024.
1. Stroll medieval streets with barely a tourist in sight
I think most visitors to Italy dream about wandering cobblestoned streets, popping into a local friendly bar for a coffee and admiring hilltop castles (or is that just me?!) What most of us don’t envision however, is the hoarde of other similar tourists crowding the sidewalks and vying for their selfie shots. In parts of nearby Tuscany, it’s extremely difficult to find off-the-beaten-track towns that allow you to live out your ideal dream scenario. But step across the border to Umbria, and you can have just that.
Gubbio is just far enough away from Tuscany (and the capital of Umbria, Perugia) that for some reason, it’s thankfully remained off the trodden tourist path. What awaits is a real living Italian town brimming with history. Get lost amongst the winding streets and keep heading up, up, up the hill towards Palazzo dei Consoli and the wonderful Piazza Grande for some of the best views in town.
It’s a good idea to brush up on your Italian here given the lack of tourists outside of those two towns, so I would recommend you speak Italian (some basics) before your trip, or join our Untold Italy tour.
2. Experience the incredible candle festival
The candle festival or ‘festa dei ceri‘ is one of the most incredible local festivals I have ever had the pleasure of participating in! Nothing can prepare you for this, you just simply have to witness it yourself. A longstanding tradition with pagan origins and running since the 12th century, the festival takes place on the 15th May every year.
What happens? There are three giant candles placed on wooden candle holders that are transported by three different teams representing three Saints – Saint Ubaldo, Saint Anthony and Saint Giorgio. In the morning, there are processions by each team and their bands through the main streets (each team wears a different color). Everyone ends up in Piazza Grande around 11am when the candles are officially raced around the flagpole three times and then walked off to each team’s neighborhood.
In the afternoon, the candles race and the final destination is on top of Mount Ingino! The candles are quite literally raced up the mountain in a record 9 minutes and the first one into the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo wins. If the Saint Ubaldo team doesn’t make it inside first, it’s thought to bring bad luck for the year – luckily for us, he won this year!
3. Enjoy the local food and wine
If you like truffles, you’re in for a seriously good time! Whilst Piedmont is most famed for its truffles (especially the elusive white truffle), Umbria has its fair share too. Besides truffles, you can enjoy really delicious rustic food here in Gubbio. The entire region is prized for its cured meats like prosciutto, coppa, and corallina; olive oil; and delicious pecorino cheeses. A particular specialty in Gubbio itself is ‘crescia’ or ‘torta al testo’ and an ancient bread stuffed with fillings of your choice. It’s similar to a Piadina from nearby Emilia Romagna.
Perhaps my favorite to indulge in is a local fresh egg pasta such as fettuccine and pappardelle paired with a gamey sauce like wild boar or duck. Enjoy it with a local red Sagrantino wine for a killer meal.
4. Be certified mad
My friend Sarah who owns a local agriturismo in the area (La Cuccagna) pointed out this cute little fountain from the 16th century to us when we were last there. She told us if you run around it three times, you can be certified mad Gubbio-style! Look out for the fountain on Via dei Consoli and if you want to be certified Gubbio mad, just ask a local to baptize you in the fountain’s waters afterwards. Hilarious!
5. Take a ride in the bird cage if you dare!
If you don’t like heights, look away now! If you’re in for a little adrenaline thrill however, this is definitely for you. Take a ride in Gubbio’s so-called ‘bird cages’ (ie two person funicular) and ride up the mountain to the top of Mount Ingino. The bird cages are completely open air and you’ll want to hold on! The ride takes just 6 minutes, and you’re treated to a stunning view of Gubbio and the ancient Roman walls along the way.
6. Visit a Roman Theatre
Move over Rome and Verona, because there are other amazing Roman arenas to explore including in Gubbio! This one was completed in 20BC and was able to hold around 6000 spectators. You can admire the theatre from outside, otherwise you can try your luck by calling the number on the gate to see if you can arrange a guided tour inside.
7. See the largest Christmas tree in Italy
Famed for having the ‘largest Christmas tree in the world’ since 1981, visit Gubbio during Christmas time for this one. You’ll see a tree made up of colored lights on the slopes of Mount Ingino. The star of the tree rests right on top of the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, where the town’s patron saint rests.
Where to stay in Gubbio?
Gubbio makes for a great day trip, so you can decide whether you would like to stay in town or somewhere in the countryside. Here’s some suggestions to consider:
Relais Ducale, Gubbio
For a more budget option, consider Relais Ducale. It’s right in the old town near the Cathedral, Palazzo dei Consoli, and historic churches. The rooms have antique furnishings and the hotel is managed by a local family.
Hotel San Marco, Gubbio
If you’re looking for a luxe medieval stay in Gubbio this is it! The property is set inside a 14th-Century building with beautiful courtyard gardens. Originally a hospital, today you can enjoy the hotel’s characteristic rooms which still have wooden ceilings and antique furniture as well as great modern comforts.
La Cuccagna, nearby countryside
My friend Sarah and Sal’s agriturismo is about 30 minutes outside of Gubbio in the gorgeous Umbrian countryside and paradise. It’s comfortable, private and run by a very friendly English-Italian couple. Enjoy the swimming pool with views out over the mountains and hopefully one of Sal’s wonderful pizza nights!
Want to visit Gubbio with me? Join our Untold Italy Umbria Tour in Spring or Fall in 2023, 2024 or even 2025. We’ll show you Umbria from a local’s perspective, getting off the beaten track and taking you to all the best places. We spend a whole week together eating, drinking and exploring our way around. Find out more now!
Looking for more Umbria content? Have a read of whether Umbria is worth visiting, my guide to Spello, a gorgeous Umbrian town. Looking for accommodation? Have a read of my guide on where to stay in Umbria.