Is the Logge open to the public?

Logge dei Tiratori, Gubbio

Historic Building in Gubbio

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko

Set beside the Church of Santa Maria dei Laici, the Logge dei Tiratori is one of the top sights in Gubbio and often visited on walking tours of Gubbio. Its long arcade-fronted structure once belonged to St. Mary's Hospital, founded in 1326, before evolving into a key space for the city's thriving woolworkers' guild. Today, the building stands as one of the must-see places in Gubbio for travellers interested in medieval craftsmanship and local guild life.

From the outside, the structure’s distinctive loggias tell the story of Gubbio’s textile traditions, while its centuries-old fresco of the Madonna between Saints Peter and Paul hints at the building’s earlier role as a religious and charitable centre.

History and Significance of Logge dei Tiratori
Things to See and Do in Logge dei Tiratori
How to Get to Logge dei Tiratori
Practical Tips on Visiting Logge dei Tiratori
Where to Stay close to Logge dei Tiratori
Is Logge dei Tiratori Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Logge dei Tiratori
Nearby Attractions to Logge dei Tiratori

History and Significance of Logge dei Tiratori

The story begins in 1326, when the Confraternity of Santa Maria dei Laici established a hospital on this site to care for the sick and poor. By 1505, several town hospitals were merged into this complex, earning it the title of “Spedal Grande,” a name used until 1628. Its façade still preserves a valuable 1473 fresco of the Madonna between St. Peter and St. Paul, created by a pupil of the local painter Nelli.

In the mid-15th century, the Woolworkers' Guild sought a covered space where cloth could be stretched and dried - a crucial process in textile production known as “tirare.” After long negotiations with the hospital, the guild secured the right to build these upper-level loggias at the start of the 17th century. The result was the Logge dei Tiratori, a remarkable example of how medieval welfare institutions and artisan guilds intertwined in Gubbio's economic and social life.

Today, the structure stands as a rare surviving example of textile architecture, capturing the spirit of the craftsmen who helped shape the city’s prosperity.

Things to See and Do in Logge dei Tiratori

Visitors can walk along the exterior arcade to appreciate the graceful rhythm of its arches and the blend of medieval and early modern architectural features. The preserved fresco on the façade is an important artistic detail and offers a quiet moment of reflection on the building’s original purpose as a hospital.

Inside the loggias, exhibitions and cultural events are sometimes held, allowing visitors to see how the space once operated as a functional textile workshop. Learning about the wool-stretching process provides a fascinating glimpse into Gubbio's artisan traditions, making it one of the best places to visit in Gubbio for those interested in traditional crafts.

The Logge stands at the edge of Via dei Consoli, offering a convenient stop while exploring the surrounding churches, workshops, and medieval streets.

How to Get to Logge dei Tiratori

The nearest airports are Perugia “San Francesco” Airport (PEG) and Ancona Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gubbio on Booking.com. Travellers can reach Gubbio by taking a regional train to Fossato di Vico, then connecting via bus to the city centre. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From Piazza 40 Martiri, it is a short walk to the Logge along historic streets leading toward Via dei Consoli. Visitors arriving by car will find nearby parking at Piazza 40 Martiri before walking to the site. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Logge dei Tiratori

Suggested tips: Look closely at the 15th-century fresco on the façade for details typical of Nelli’s school.
Best time to visit: Late morning or afternoon when natural light enhances the arches.
Entrance fee: Usually free unless a special exhibition is being held.
Opening hours: Vary depending on events or exhibitions; exterior always visible.
How long to spend: Around 15-30 minutes.
Accessibility: Ground level is accessible; upper areas may have limited access.
Facilities: Nearby cafés and shops along Via dei Consoli.
Photography tip: Capture the length of the arcade from an angle to highlight its depth and symmetry.
Guided tours: Often included in artisan- or textile-themed tours of Gubbio.
Nearby food options: Numerous trattorie and cafés in the historic centre around Via dei Consoli.

Where to Stay close to Logge dei Tiratori

For a comfortable stay near Gubbio’s artisan quarter, consider Hotel Gattapone, offering charm steps from the main sights. Another excellent choice is Hotel Bosone Palace, set in a noble residence near key monuments. For a more expansive stay with modern comforts, Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini provides quiet surroundings just outside the medieval centre.

Is Logge dei Tiratori Worth Visiting?

Yes - the Logge dei Tiratori offers an engaging look into Gubbio's medieval and Renaissance-era textile traditions. While modest in appearance, it holds rich historical meaning, linking healthcare, guild activity, craftsmanship, and community life. It is a rewarding stop for anyone fascinated by artisan history.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (14)

Logge dei tiratori sits on Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri in Gubbio and is a long, striking building with a portico and loggia next to the church of Santa Maria dei Laici; visitors note its large scale, a historic façade with an old Madonna fresco, and a covered upper room once used by the wool guild to stretch and dry fabrics above what was originally the Santa Maria hospital; the lower conference room has been restored for exhibitions, the square in front has lately been under renovation, and the area is well kept though reaching the historic center involves some steep climbs.

Antonio Marinaccio

a month ago

"I can't review Gubbio's historic center, so I'm posting the photos I took here. This historic center, much larger than I'd been told, is fantastic.Everything is very well-kept and spotlessly clean. Time seems to have stood still as you wind your way through the narrow streets of this village. Be prepared for a steep climb, but it's definitely worth it 😍..."

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P Don

2 months ago

"Walking around the area you will immediately notice this particular structure with portico and loggia, where fabrics and wool were laid out."

Cloude

a year ago

"This complex almost always makes a first impression on those who see Gubbio for the first time. I've always wondered why it's built this way and whatpurpose it served, but its history answers my questions. It's particularly large, and the square in front of it is currently being renovated. A direct passageway to Gubbio was recently opened through a gate...."

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FAQs for Visiting Logge dei Tiratori

Access varies depending on exhibitions, but the exterior can always be viewed.
What does “tiratori” mean?
It refers to the cloth-stretchers of the woolworkers’ guild.
Is the fresco original?
Yes, it dates to 1473 and is by a pupil of Nelli.
Can I see textile demonstrations?
Sometimes, during special events or themed tours.
Is it easy to find?
Yes, located beside Santa Maria dei Laici near Via dei Consoli.

Nearby Attractions to Logge dei Tiratori

Santa Maria dei Laici - The neighbouring church that once supported the hospital.
Via dei Consoli - A lively medieval street lined with artisans and cafés.
Palazzo dei Consoli - Gubbio's iconic Gothic civic palace overlooking the town.
Palazzo Ducale - Renaissance palace with a recreated studiolo and hanging garden.
Roman Theatre - Ancient open-air theatre on the lower slopes of Gubbio.

The Logge dei Tiratori appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gubbio!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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