Planning your holiday in Umbria? Have you already booked your holiday villa in Foligno, but would like to take the opportunity to visit other towns in the region? Are you looking for a town that combines cultural values, history and local produce just a short distance from the VILLA ALLEGRIA ? While many villages in the region meet these criteria, the town of Gubbio is a little treasure in its own right that will delight visitors in search of authenticity. Find out more about the must-sees in Gubbio.
Gubbio is a singular town, full of traces of all the eras through which it has passed. The Eugubine Tables, discovered in the 15th century and written in the Umbrian language, bear witness to the importance of the town in pre-Roman times. However, the arrival of the Romans in Gubbio in Umbria did not mar this prosperity - quite the contrary, as the town's Roman theatre, still standing, proves. As for the remains of the Middle Ages, they can be found in its historic centre, a veritable medieval quarter with Gothic buildings.
Strolling through the streets of the city, you can discover its three palaces:
A visit to Gubbio also means discovering numerous religious monuments, such as the Duomo dei Santi Mariano e San Giacomo, Gubbio's cathedral. However, one of the town's special features is that it has managed to blend in perfectly with its natural surroundings. Numerous parks dot the town, under the protective gaze of Mount Ingino. The basilica of Sant'Ubaldo is located almost at the top of Mount Ingino, and is accessible via footpaths.
Gubbio is no exception to the rule when it comes to cultural events and customs. Perhaps the most famous and beloved by the locals is the Festa dei Ceri (or Corse dei Ceri). Translated into French as "la course des cierges" (the race of the candles), this involves carrying three giant wooden candles bearing the effigies of San Ubaldo, San Giorgo and San Antonio from the Piazza Grande to the Basilica of Monte Ingino.
This race, which takes place on 15 May, is not really a race at all, as there is no competition between the fractions. The first candle to cross the basilica is always that of Saint Ubaldo, patron saint of the town of Gubbio in Italy.
Other celebrations in the town include the palio della balestra, a crossbow game in which Gubbio competes against the towns of Perugia and Sansepolcro. This event takes place on the last Sunday in May in Gubbio. On the other hand, if you're on holiday near Gubbio in December, you'll be able to admire the large illuminated fir tree on Mount Ingino. This impressive luminous decoration on the slopes of the mountain will make the eyes of children and adults alike sparkle.
Finally, during your holiday in Gubbio, why not become one of the town's honorary fools? Yes, a rather original tradition is that of the matti ("fools" in French). All you have to do to obtain your "madman's permit" is to take three laps around the Fontana del Bargello.
So, seduced by this surprising town, are you looking for a holiday rental near Gubbio ? Discover VILLA ALLEGRIA, a luxury and charming house to rent in Foligno.
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