Gubbio is
known as "the most beautiful of medieval towns". Of all the towns in Umbria
richly endowed with the heritage of their past, with their own special character, and with
great charm thanks to their monuments and atmosphere, Gubbio is undoubtedly the one that
has kept its medieval appearance most intact. Its streets, monuments, churches and houses
are still perfectly preserved, the testimony of a glorious period in history, the Middle
Ages, when Gubbio was not only economically prosperous, but politically powerful and
unwavering in the defence of its freedom as a city-state.
| Gubbio was originally founded by the Umbrians,
an ancient people who settled on the land on the left of the Tiber. Evidence of
exceptional importance belonging to this interesting Italic civilization is kept in the
town: the Eugubine Tablets, a unique document in the Umbrian language recording a
series of religious regulations and rituals. Coins belonging to the same people are
preserved, together with the Tablets, in the Palazzo dei Consoli. Archaeological finds of
the same period also exist in the area surrounding Gubbio. Later occupied by the Romans,
Gubbio changed its name from Ikuvium to Iguvium. During the Roman period too the town
achieved a certain degree of importance, as demonstrated by the theatres and temples which
were built there (the most important of the theatres survives virtually intact). Even the
existing town layout recalls the original Roman street plan with its straight streets
lying parallel to or crossing over each other, spread over the side of Mt. Ingino. |
Church S.Giovanni and Consoli Palace
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It was over this typically Roman urban
layout that the medieval town was developed. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the
barbarian invasions, Gubbio recovered and by the 11th century had become an independent
city-state. Its power increased following a series of victorious wars fought against
neighbouring city-states, often allied among each other, and against powerful Perugia
itself.
Today, Gubbio is a town of the greatest
interest thanks to its monumental centre, its splendid buildings and its unaltered
medieval appearance.
It is also famous for its "Corsa dei Ceri " (Race of the Candles), a
historic folklore event unique in its kind (15 May).
Further important events.
At Christmas and Epiphany: the largest Christmas Tree of the world. (800 m heigh, 400 m
large) built up with lamps and electrical cables all along the extension of the Mount
Ingino.
Crib with nature sized statues.
Easter and Good Friday: procession with traditional habits and ancient Latin songs.
Last Sunday in May: crossbow competition between the towns Gubbio and San Sepolcro.
14th August: competition among the quarters of Gubbio.
Theatrical and musical season in July and August.
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