Gubbio, the city of Don Matteo, of crescia, of the madmen and of the candle race. Medieval Dream is one of the most fascinating villages in Italy. Gubbio is located in the province of Perugia, in the beautiful Umbria and here time seems to have stopped. Between cycling and walking, through alleys and alleys, in the suggestive views and from the hills that surround it. Discovering Gubbio, its ancient history, its curiosities and incredible attractions.
Gubbio, the ancient Ikuvium
The city of Gubbio boasts ancient origins. The discovery of artifacts such as pottery, axes or other stone weapons and the presence of several caves on the sides of the mountain, confirm the presence of prehistoric settlements. Thanks to Eugubine tables, historical artifacts currently kept in Palace of the Consuls, the presence of the Umbrian people can be witnessed. The tables, made of bronze, are seven. Some of them are written in the Umbrian alphabet with elements of the Etruscan language and others in Latin adapted to the Umbrian language. They are an important document for the study of Ancient Gubbio and which refer to the religious ceremonies that took place in the then city-state of Ikuvium.
Roman period, barbarian invasions and the Middle Ages
In Roman times the city of Gubbio experienced a period of ferment. The most interesting testimonials are the Roman mausoleum, the Antiquarium e il Roman Theatre. The latter is located in Via Teatro Romano, just outside the historic center and during the summer it hosts various classical shows. Next to it is the Antiquarium inside which, instead, it is possible to admire some mosaics. The barbarian invasions correspond to a dark period and it is only in the Middle Ages that the city returns to shine. In this period he distinguished a rather important figure: the bishop Ubaldo Baldassini. For the citizens it represented a moral and strategic support. The Festa dei Ceri still takes place in his honor.
Festa dei Ceric
At the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo the Tre Ceri are kept (wooden structures on which, on the feast day, the Saint and Protector of the Corporations is fixed: St. Ubaldo, patron and protector of the city for bricklayers, S. Giorgio for traders e S Antonio for peasants) which on the first Sunday of May are transferred to the Palazzo dei Consoli. On May 15th, during the festival, they are transported by the ceraioli in a race that winds through the medieval streets. The candles swing, brush against each other and it is a test of great skill. To know the details and the complete history, we advise you to consult the site dedicated to Festa dei Ceric.
The Fountain of the Fools and the crazy driver's license
Have you ever heard of Gubbio as the city of crazy people? This curiosity refers to the character of the locals. Light-hearted and unpredictable. The driving license from Matto dates back to 1880 and is given to those who demonstrate that they love and know the traditions of the place. To get the license you have to make three laps around the Bargello Fountain, known as the Fountain of the Fools. The gadget costs a few euros and is very popular in the shops of the city. However, it should be noted that the official version is only released by theMaggio Eugubino association. To get it? It must be a genuine Eugubino to request it for you by paying a small contribution to the association.
Other things to see in Gubbio
Definitely can't miss a visit to Piazza Grande, the heart of the city. Here you can visit Palazzo dei Consoli which houses the Civic Museum. You can not miss the many shops that are very fine ceramics and for cooking enthusiasts the advice is to try the crescia. This product is made with simple and genuine ingredients. Water, flour and yeast. According to tradition, the mixture obtained is placed on the “panaro”, a circular wrought iron plate, and is cooked under the ashes of a wood fire. You can visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Duomo and take a ride on the Colle Eletto cableway to the Basilica of San Ubaldo. For fans of Don Matteo instead a visit to the Church of San Giovanni it is a must! A curiosity: Gubbio is equipped with public elevators to tackle only short uphill stretches.
