Gubbio in one day: Self-guided tour!

The Fontana del Bargello, also known as the Fountain of the Madmen, is one of Gubbio’s most charming and storied landmarks. Located in Piazza del Bargello, this medieval fountain is linked to a local tradition that humorously plays into Gubbio’s nickname as the “city of fools.” According to legend, anyone who runs around the fountain three times and is then doused with its water earns the honorary title of “Matto di Gubbio” (Madman of Gubbio) and receives a certificate to commemorate the event. The fountain, with its simple yet elegant design, is not just a beautiful piece of historical architecture but also a symbol of the town’s playful spirit and cultural identity. It serves as a popular spot for both locals and visitors, who delight in partaking in this quirky tradition, adding a lighthearted experience to their exploration of Gubbio.

The Palazzo dei Consoli is a magnificent symbol of Gubbio’s medieval power and architectural prowess. Dominating Piazza Grande with its imposing presence, this 14th-century palace was designed by the architect Angelo da Orvieto and served as the seat of the city’s government. The building’s design is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, featuring a grand façade, crenellated battlements, and an elegant bell tower that offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Inside, the palace houses the Museo Civico, where visitors can explore a rich collection of art, artifacts, and the famous Eugubine Tablets—ancient bronze inscriptions that provide a window into the religious and social practices of the ancient Umbrians. The Palazzo dei Consoli not only reflects the civic pride of Gubbio during its medieval heyday but also continues to be a focal point of the town’s cultural and historical life.

The Palazzo dei Priori in Gubbio is a significant historical building that stands as a testament to the town’s rich medieval heritage. Located on the eastern side of Piazza della Signoria, this palace was initially conceived in the 14th century to serve as the residence of the Podestà, the head of executive power in Gubbio. Although its construction was never fully completed due to economic and social challenges, including the plague, the Palazzo dei Priori remains an important example of Gothic architecture. Its distinctive arched entrance, adorned with 3D square panels, and the central pillar supporting robust arches inside are key architectural features. Today, the palace is not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of Gubbio’s historical governance and civic identity.

San Francesco della Pace is a small but historically significant church in Gubbio, deeply connected to the town’s rich religious and cultural traditions. Nestled discreetly on Via Giorgio Mastro, the church might be easily overlooked due to its modest exterior, which resembles a typical house more than a place of worship. However, this church holds a special place in Gubbio’s history as it was built over the cave where, according to legend, the Wolf of Gubbio—famously tamed by Saint Francis of Assisi—once lived. The church was named “della Pace” (of Peace) in 1584 when the stone on which Saint Francis preached after taming the wolf was moved here from the Church of Vittorina. Inside, visitors can find a sarcophagus believed to be the tomb of the legendary wolf, making San Francesco della Pace not just a religious site, but also a fascinating link to the town’s legendary past. The church is also significant for its role in the Festa dei Ceri, where it serves as the site for electing the Captains of the Feast and storing the statuettes of the saints that crown the ceremonial candles.

The Duomo di Gubbio, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Mariano and Giacomo, is the principal church of Gubbio and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Located at the foot of Mount Ingino, the cathedral was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, parts of which are still visible on the right side of the facade. The cathedral’s exterior is marked by a pointed portal and a large circular window adorned with an elegant band of foliage and surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists and the Mystic Lamb. Inside, the church features a single nave in the shape of a Latin cross, supported by ten large transverse pointed arches, creating a spacious and majestic interior.

The Duomo is richly decorated with paintings by renowned 16th-century artists from Gubbio and beyond, including works by the Nucci and Basili families, Sinibaldi Ibi, Giuliano Presutti, and Dono Doni. Of particular note is the Baroque chapel on the right wall, adorned with frescoes by Allegrini and a painting of the Birth of the Virgin by Gherardi. The cathedral also houses significant religious artifacts, including the relics of Saints Mariano and Giacomo in a late-ancient sarcophagus beneath the high altar. The combination of its historical, artistic, and spiritual significance makes the Duomo di Gubbio a central landmark in the town’s religious and cultural life.

The Gubbio Funivia is a unique and thrilling way to experience the stunning views of Gubbio and its surrounding landscapes. This open-air cable car, featuring basket-like cabins that accommodate two standing passengers, takes you on a scenic ride from the town up to the summit of Mount Ingino. The journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of the medieval town, the Umbrian countryside, and the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo at the top. This exciting ride, with its standup cabins, provides an unforgettable perspective of Gubbio, making it a must-do activity for visitors seeking both adventure and beautiful vistas.

The Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo is a revered religious site perched atop Mount Ingino, overlooking the town of Gubbio. Dedicated to Sant’Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio, the basilica was built in the early 16th century and houses the saint’s preserved body, which has been venerated by locals for centuries. The basilica is also closely associated with the famous Corsa dei Ceri festival, as it is the final destination of the race, where the iconic wooden statues of the saints are brought each year. The basilica’s serene location offers breathtaking views of Gubbio and the surrounding Umbrian landscape, making it not only a place of spiritual significance but also a popular destination for those seeking peace and panoramic vistas.