7 Things to do and see absolutely in Gubbio

Gubbio, an enchanting village located in Umbria, in the green heart of Italy. This charming town is famous for its rich history and medieval charm that captivates visitors of all ages.We take you on a tour of Gubbio, one of the most charming towns in Umbria! If you are a lover of history, art and culture, then you cannot miss this wonderful medieval town. Nestled among the Umbrian hills, Gubbio will welcome you with its ancient charm and hidden treasures. Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey through time and discover with us the 7 things you absolutely must see and do during your visit to Gubbio. Are you ready? Then let's set off to discover this Italian jewel!

Gubbio di Sera- Photo by francesco de marco-shutterstock

A breathtaking suburb!

Gubbio is surrounded by beautiful green hills and offers breathtaking views of picturesque rural landscapes. The cobblestone streets of the historic center will transport you back in time as you walk among ancient palaces and well-preserved medieval houses. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Gubbio has managed to keep its authenticity and authenticity intact. Its residents are proud of their local traditions, which are reflected in annual celebrations such as the Festa dei Tapers, an unmissable spectacle of religious devotion and community spirit.

But it is not only history that fascinates in Gubbio: art also finds an ideal home here thanks to the presence of important architectural monuments such as the Duomo or the Romanesque churches scattered throughout the old town.

Nature lovers will be won over by the beauty of the surrounding naturalistic vistas: from lush forests to enchanted valleys to the majestic mountain peaks of Monte Cucco.

The history and cultural importance of Gubbio

Gubbio's history and cultural importance are elements that make this city a true jewel of Umbria. Founded by the Umbrians in the 9th century AD, Gubbio went through several dominations, including Roman and Byzantine, before becoming part of the territory of the Church.

During the Middle Ages, Gubbio developed as an important trading center due to its strategic location along the Via Flaminia. The town was known for the production of artistic ceramics and fine textiles, activities that still characterize the local craft tradition.

Gubbio is also famous for its traditional festivities, such as the Corsa dei Ceri, a competition between the city's three historic districts during which giant wooden candles are carried through the streets in honor of patron saints.

The imposing Palazzo dei Consoli testifies to Gubbio's political and administrative importance over the centuries. Built in the 14th century, the palace now houses the Museo Civico where priceless works of art and historical artifacts can be admired.

The Basilica of St. Ubaldo dominates the townscape from above with its twin towers. This medieval church is dedicated to the patron saint of Gubbio and holds his remains inside the mausoleum. A visit to this basilica offers not only a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, but also an immersion in Gubbio's religious and cultural history.

Vicoli di Gubbio - Photo by Valerio Mei-shutterstock

The 7 things to do in Gubbio:

1. Visit the Palazzo dei Consoli: This imposing building dating back to the 14th century is one of the symbols of Gubbio and stands majestically in the city's historic center, also fascinating for its architecture. Here you will be able to admire a vast collection of works of art it holds inside, in fact the home of the Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery.

2. Explore the medieval old town: Getting lost in the winding streets of Gubbio's historic center is like taking a dip into the past. You can wander among ancient craft stores, pretty alleys and picturesque squares, breathing in the magical atmosphere that pervades this Umbrian village.

3. Ride the Colle Eletto Cable Car: Enjoy a unique adventure by boarding the cable car to reach the top of Mount Ingino. Once at the top, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Umbrian hills and have the opportunity to visit the majestic Basilica of Sant' Ubaldo.

4. Admire the Basilica of St. Ubaldo: Located atop Mount Ingino, this basilica is one of the most important sacred places in the Umbria region. Inside is the bronze urn of the city's patron saint, and an evocative procession is held each year to pay homage to him.

5. Gastronomic experience: You cannot visit Gubbio without savoring its delicious traditional cuisine. The dishes are simple and genuine, prepared with ancient methods: barbecued roasts, savory tagliatelle, 'crescia di Pasqua' with cheese and 'crescia al panaro,' accompanied by local cold cuts and friccò (lamb, duck, chicken or rabbit). An authentic gastronomic experience not to be missed!

6. Don't miss the famous Corsa dei Ceri if you visit Gubbio in May. It is a race between the city's three historic districts, whose challenge is to carry giant wooden candles in honor of the patron saints. Every year, this unique spectacle attracts thousands of visitors.

7. Visit the Ceramics Museum: Gubbio is known worldwide for its ceramic tradition. A visit to the Museum of Ceramics will allow you to learn about the history and working techniques of this ancient craft, as well as admire a large collection of ceramic artwork.

Visit to the Palace of the Consuls

One of the most iconic places to visit in Gubbio is the Palazzo dei Consoli. This imposing building dating back to the 14th century stands majestically in the city's historic center and captivates with its Gothic architecture.
Once inside, visitors will be transported back in time, discovering the important role this palace played in Gubbio's history. Each room is filled with details and evidence of the past, offering an immersive experience for anyone interested in culture and art.

Among the main attractions of the palace are the Hall of Frescoes and the Civic Tower. The Hall of Frescoes features magnificent wall paintings that tell mythological stories and depict important figures of the time. The Civic Tower, on the other hand, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, providing an unforgettable sight for visitors.

While visiting the Palazzo dei Consoli, one realizes the enormous importance this structure has had for Gubbio over the centuries. Not only does it represent a symbol of the city's political and economic power, but it also testifies to the artistic elegance of the people who lived there.

A visit to the Palazzo dei Consoli is an absolute must during a trip to Gubbio. Not only does it allow you to immerse yourself in the history of medieval Umbria, but it also offers a unique perspective on the beauty and charm of this fascinating city.

Palazzo dei Consoli - Photo by essevu-shutterstock

Exploring the medieval old town

One of the unmissable experiences during a visit to Gubbio is exploring the medieval historic center. With its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings and picturesque alleys, the village of Gubbio transports visitors back in time.

Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, one finds oneself surrounded by a magical and evocative atmosphere. Every corner offers something new to discover: small craft stores selling local products, typical restaurants with Umbrian specialties, and antique stores offering hidden treasures.

During the walk, one comes across important monuments such as the Piazza Grande, the beating heart of the city. Here is the Palazzo dei Consoli, an imposing Gothic building dating back to the 14th century. The palace also houses the Museo Civico, where you can admire works of art and historical artifacts that tell the story of Gubbio.

In addition to Piazza Grande, other fascinating squares such as Piazza Quaranta Martiri and Piazza della Signoria are also worth visiting. These squares are great places to stop for coffee or enjoy one of the delicious local sweets.

As you explore Gubbio's medieval historic center, you cannot help but notice the fascinating architecture of its historic buildings. The stone facades, Gothic windows and portals

Ride the cable car of the Colle Eletto

One of the most exciting experiences to have in Gubbio is to ride the Colle Eletto cable car. This adventure will take you to the top of Monte Ingino, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills. Gubbio's cable car is a modern means of transportation that contrasts with the medieval character of the town, but this does not diminish its appeal. In fact, boarding this suspended cabin provides a unique sense of freedom and adrenaline rush.

Lying comfortably in the cabin, the transparent walls emphasize on a breathtaking view of the city below. The colors of the rooftops, churches and narrow alleys are admired from the privileged perspective offered by this magical ascent into the Umbrian sky.

Arriving at the top, you'll find one of Gubbio's most important symbols: the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo. This sacred place holds the remains of the city's patron saint and is the destination of annual pilgrimages during the famous "Corsa dei Ceri."

Cable car Colle Eletto Photo by Italia.it

Admiring the Basilica of St. Ubaldo

The Basilica of St. Ubaldo is one of Gubbio's main architectural jewels and is definitely worth a visit. Located on top of Mount Ingino, the basilica offers spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.

Built in the 12th century in honor of St. Ubaldo, the city's patron saint, the basilica features an imposing Romanesque-Gothic facade. Once inside, you will be fascinated by the splendid works of art that adorn the church's interior. Prominent among them are the medieval frescoes and the majestic high altar.

But what really makes this visit special is the opportunity to climb the basilica's bell tower. The staircase may seem challenging but it is absolutely worth the effort to reach the top. From the top you will have a breathtaking view of Gubbio and can admire the beautiful surrounding Umbrian landscapes.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Diocesan Museum attached to the basilica: here you will find a rich collection of sacred objects and precious reliquaries.

Taste the typical Umbrian dishes

A trip to Gubbio would not be complete without sampling the typical dishes of Umbrian cuisine. The town is famous for its culinary tradition, which is based on simple, high-quality ingredients.

Dishes not to be missed include tagliatelle al tartufo, a fresh pasta served with Gubbio's famous black truffle, and wild boar stew.

In addition, Gubbio is known for producing fine cheeses such as pecorino and caciotta. Don't forget to accompany your meals with a good glass of Umbrian wine, such as the famous Grechetto di Gubbio or Sagrantino di Montefalco.

But don't forget to leave room for desserts! Gubbio is known for its delicious desserts, including torciglione, a cake filled with walnuts and honey, and nut brittle, a specialty made with walnuts and caramelized sugar.

Sagrantino Vineyards in Autumn, Montefalco - Photo by Stefano Termanini-shutterstock

Taking the nutcase's license

There is only one city in the world where you can get a "madman's license" Gubbio. Legend has it that this practice originated thanks to the Bargello Fountain, located in front of the Palace of the same name in the center of the city. This fountain is also known as the Fountain of Fools, and the license is regulated by serious laws and requirements. What might seem like an unusual tradition actually has ancient roots, dating back to an 1880 document. So if you visit Gubbio in May, don't miss the Corsa dei Ceri, a competition between the city's three historic districts that compete by carrying giant wooden candles in honor of their patron saints. It is a unique spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Festa dei ceri

Exploring the Monte Cucco Regional Park

For those who love nature and outdoor activities, a must-see in Gubbio is the Monte Cucco Regional Park. This natural park covers an area of more than 8,000 hectares and offers a wide variety of landscapes, from mountains to valleys, from forests to meadows.

Here you can go hiking, biking or horseback riding, admiring the local flora and fauna. Monte Cucco is also an ideal place for paragliders and hang-gliders, thanks to its favorable weather conditions. In addition, the park has plenty of caves to explore, including the famous Grotta Grande del Vento.

Don't forget to stop by the park's Visitor Center, where you can get useful information about activities within the park and buy high-quality local products.

Gubbio really does offer so much to see! These seven things to do are just some of the amazing experiences that await you in this charming Umbrian town. We can't wait for you to explore it yourself!

Where to Sleep

And if you're looking for where to sleep in Gubbio, don't worry: the town offers numerous accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious boutique hotels. You can choose to stay within the city's medieval walls or opt for quieter accommodations in the surrounding countryside. Either way, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially during the summer months and holidays. Click here for some of our suggestions and offers. Enjoy your trip!