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Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio

Palace in Gubbio

Palazzo dei Consoli Piazza Grande Gubbio

Rising above the picturesque old town of Gubbio, the Palazzo dei Consoli commands attention with its monumental form and dramatic setting in Piazza Grande. It is one of the top sights in Gubbio and a highlight of any walking tour of Gubbio through its medieval lanes. From a distance you'll recognise its tall facade and crenellated tower, perched high on the hillside and marking the city's historic centre.
Inside the building you’ll find a tangible connection to Gubbio’s past: the civic government of the fourteenth century, major art collections and rare archaeological finds. This spot is truly one of the must-see places in Gubbio for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.

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

History and Significance of Palazzo dei Consoli

The Palazzo dei Consoli was constructed between 1332 and 1349 under the design of Angelo da Orvieto (and possibly the local Matteo di Giovannello aka Gattapone). Built to house the government of the Free Commune of Gubbio, it embodied the civic ambition of the time, with the meeting hall (Arengo) and grand exterior facing the newly-laid Piazza Grande. Its commanding Gothic façade, vertical pilasters dividing the face into three sections and the fan-shaped staircase leading to the main portal above the hanging piazza, mark it as one of the boldest urban-architectural initiatives of the Italian Middle Ages. Over time it became the seat of magistrates - the Consoli, Gonfaloniere, Captain of the People - as Gubbio grew in political and economic stature. From 1909 the Palazzo has housed the Museo Civico with archaeology, medieval art and civic treasures such as the Iguvine Tables.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo dei Consoli

Begin your visit in the Arengo hall on the first floor, a vast barrel-vaulted space once used for public assemblies and now serving as exhibit area. The interior galleries showcase local ceramics, medieval wood-work, numismatics and the famous bronze Iguvine Tables - inscribed in the Umbrian language well before Latin. Don't miss the view from the loggia and tower: the building's elevated position offers panoramic views over the rooftops of Gubbio and the surrounding valley. As you walk the steep fan-shaped stairs from Piazza Grande to the entrance, you'll feel the sense of civic pageantry built into its medieval design. The exterior alone is worth a close look: the white limestone façade, full-centre mullioned windows, crenellated crown and bell-tower create a dramatic silhouette.

How to Get to Palazzo dei Consoli

Fly into the nearest major airport at Perugia ”San Francesco” (PEG) or Ancona Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gubbio on Booking.com. From the airport you can take a regional train or bus to Gubbio. 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. Once in Gubbio you'll need to walk up to the historic centre (approximately 10-15 minutes from the lower town) or reach the car park at Piazza 40 Martiri - from there you can stroll into Piazza Grande and reach the Palazzo on foot. Car parking at the historic centre is limited; it is best to park in the designated garage and explore on foot to reach this great place to visit on a walking tour of Gubbio. 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 Palazzo dei Consoli

Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour-group crowds and enjoy the light on the façade.
Entrance fee: €12.00 full, €8.00 reduced, €3.00 youth (6-18 yrs) as of latest posted rates.
Opening hours: November–March 10:00–13:00 / 15:00–18:00; April–October 10:00–13:00 / 15:00–18:00 (weekends and holidays open continuously 10:00–18:00).
Official website: https://www.palazzodeiconsoli.it/en/
How long to spend: allow 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the building, exhibits and viewpoints.
Accessibility: historic structure with stairs and vaulted halls; main entrance reached by steps from Piazza Grande; limited facilities for mobility-impaired.
Facilities: museum shop, restrooms, occasional temporary exhibitions; check site for special events.
Photography tip: best views of the façade and Piazza Grande from Via Baldassini or from the ramp leading up to the entrance early in the day for soft light and fewer shadows.
Guided tours: available in Italian and English; ask at ticket desk for current schedule.
Nearby food options: charming cafés around Piazza Grande and Via Baldassini serving Umbrian specialties and local wine.

Where to Stay close to Palazzo dei Consoli

For a stay immersed in the medieval atmosphere of Gubbio, consider Hotel Gigli d’Oro offering historic charm just a short stroll from Piazza Grande. Another solid choice is Relais Fontanelle which sits in a quiet lane above the old town but within easy reach of the Palazzo. For a slightly larger property consider Brufani Palace Hotel which combines historic luxury and convenient access to the centre. Any of these places place you within minutes of the Palazzo and the lively heart of Gubbio.

Is Palazzo dei Consoli Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Palazzo dei Consoli is not just a museum building but a time capsule of civic power, architectural ambition and local identity in Gubbio. With its commanding position, outstanding collection and immersive atmosphere it delivers on both form and substance. If you are planning a visit to Gubbio you should make time for this building-it will enrich your understanding of the town's medieval roots and craftsmanship.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,271)

Palazzo dei Consoli, on Piazza Grande in Gubbio, houses a long-running local collection of artifacts from prehistoric times through the 1900s inside a Gothic civic palace; visitors praise the archaeological tablets and frescoes, note informative bilingual display cards (some only in Italian), and recommend buying a combined ticket for multiple museums and going inside for the top views, though the panoramic terrace can be partly closed for safety and the painting gallery receives mixed impressions.

Peter Ward

a month ago

"Definitely worth a visit tho the painting gallery is hit and miss. The tablets are one of the main reasons for visiting, also helping to understandthe ancient history of the region. Some of the frescoes help make this worth your time. Shame the panorama terrace is mainly blocked for safety. Overall, worth the time and money...."

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ADAM JONG

11 months ago

"This is , belive it or not, the town i grew up in which makes this my homwtown. The " Palazzo dei Consoli" was one of the most advanced buildings forits time, it had ru ing water and a fountain on the 3rd floor! If you look closely along the stairways, there are little cones and peep holes that were used to communicate throughout the palace, (intercom). This is also where "La corsa dei Ceri" starts (15th May). You can tell this city was respected by the Roman's by the fact that they built an amphitheater at the feet of Monte Ubaldo, as opposed to burning the whole town down!..."

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Bogdan Marcelan

2 years ago

"Palazzo dei Consoli is a Gothic palace built in the first half of the 14th century. The palace is built on a large platform. The palace houses acollection of local artifacts from prehistory onwards...."

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FAQs for Visiting Palazzo dei Consoli

It’s advisable to book online during peak season or when a special exhibition is running, although walk-up purchases on site are usually possible.
Is there a guided tour available in English?
Yes, guided tours in English are available; check with the museum when you arrive or in advance online.
Are there toilets and a cafe inside the museum?
Yes, there are restroom facilities and a museum shop; there is no full café inside the building but several cafés nearby in Piazza Grande.
Is the Palazzo suitable for families with children?
Yes, children will enjoy exploring the vaulted hall and the archaeological exhibits, though the stairs and historic layout mean supervision may be required.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the public exhibition spaces, but flash and tripods may be restricted; ask at the ticket desk.

Nearby Attractions to Palazzo dei Consoli

Piazza Grande - the grand hanging square that the Palazzo overlooks, an architectural marvel in its own right.
Palazzo Pretorio - facing the Palazzo dei Consoli, another historic civic building with views over the valley.
Cathedral of Gubbio (Duomo di Gubbio) - a short walk away, an elegant medieval cathedral rich in art.
Roman Theatre - located at the foot of the town slopes, illustrating Gubbio's ancient roots.
Via dei Consoli and the historic lanes - wander these medieval alleyways to absorb the atmosphere of the old town.

The Palazzo dei Consoli 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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