Gubbio Italy - Gubbio
1 / 10

Gubbio Italy

4.6
·491k reviews·Gubbio, Italy

A remarkably preserved medieval hill town in Umbria, Gubbio captivates with its ancient streets, stunning views, and unique traditions like the Festa ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May 15th

Experience the ancient Festa dei Ceri!

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Gubbio Italy - Gubbio

Gubbio Italy

Best Time

May 15th

Experience the ancient Festa dei Ceri!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remarkably preserved medieval hill town in Umbria, Gubbio captivates with its ancient streets, stunning views, and unique traditions like the Festa dei Ceri.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Gubbio is one of Italy's most well-preserved medieval cities, offering breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Get Your 'Madman' License

Do 3 laps around Fontana del Bargello for a fun local tradition! :joy:

Ride the Unique Cable Car

The Funivia Colle Eletto offers incredible views and a unique ride to the basilica. :mountain:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Festa dei Ceri

Festa dei Ceri

Witness one of Italy's oldest and most spectacular folk traditions, a thrilling race with giant candles.

TikTokInstagram
Funivia Colle Eletto

Funivia Colle Eletto

Ride this unique open-air cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Gubbio and the Umbrian landscape.

TikTokInstagram+1
Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande

Marvel at this stunning medieval square, one of Italy's most scenic, offering spectacular views.

TikTok
Fontana del Bargello (Fountain of the Mad)

Fontana del Bargello (Fountain of the Mad)

Participate in a quirky local tradition: walk around the fountain three times to earn your 'madman's license'.

TikTokInstagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Medieval Charm

Gubbio is a remarkably preserved medieval hill town. Wander its steep, narrow streets and soak in the ancient atmosphere. Consider visiting during the Festa dei Ceri for a truly unique cultural immersion, but be aware of potential crowds during this time. TikTokInstagram

Getting Around Gubbio

Gubbio's historic center is best explored on foot, but be prepared for inclines. For panoramic views and access to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, the unique open-air cable car, the Funivia Colle Eletto, is a must-try experience. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
May 15th
Why
Experience the ancient Festa dei Ceri!
Crowd
High
When
Spring & Fall Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cabinovia colle Eletto, Gubbio 🇮🇹
@symtonia
5.1M likes • 63.9M views

Get Your 'Madman' License

Do 3 laps around Fontana del Bargello for a fun local tradition! :joy: TikTokInstagram

Ride the Unique Cable Car

The Funivia Colle Eletto offers incredible views and a unique ride to the basilica. :mountain: TikTokInstagram

SI SCHERZA OVVIAMENTE! SULLA LEGGENDA DI GUBBIO 🤔🔥 IG: de.rial_danielecalise
@dani.w0rld
91.1K likes • 675.8K views
Gubbio is one of Italy most well-preserved medieval cities. Here are some views of this amazing town from above and within. #gubbio #gubbioitaly #umbriagram #umbrialovers
wanderliftt
0 likes • 865 views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Gubbio's medieval streets are steep and cobbled. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

Book Accommodation Early

Especially if visiting during Festa dei Ceri, hotels in Gubbio Italy fill up fast. :bed: Reddit

Umbria will steal your heart... 🌿 Wander medieval hill towns - Perugia, Orvieto, Spello, Gubbio 🌿 Admire Assisi - Basilica of St. Francis & sweeping valley views 🌿 Taste Umbrian wine - Montefalco Sagrantino & Orvieto Classico 🌿 Indulge in local food - truffles, porchetta, pecorino, lentils from Castelluccio 🌿 Explore Lake Trasimeno - boat trips, lakeside walks, sunsets 🌿 Visit ancient ruins ...
vintage_travel_villas
11 likes • 514 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Get Your 'Madman' License

Do 3 laps around Fontana del Bargello for a fun local tradition! :joy: TikTokInstagram

Ride the Unique Cable Car

The Funivia Colle Eletto offers incredible views and a unique ride to the basilica. :mountain: TikTokInstagram

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Gubbio's medieval streets are steep and cobbled. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

Book Accommodation Early

Especially if visiting during Festa dei Ceri, hotels in Gubbio Italy fill up fast. :bed: Reddit

Explore Beyond the Center

Discover hidden churches and charming alleys away from the main squares. :camerawithflash: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gubbio is widely praised for its stunning medieval preservation and authentic atmosphere, offering a genuine glimpse into Italy's past. Visitors rave about the unique cable car ride and the charm of its ancient streets. Some find the town's steep inclines challenging, and accommodation can be limited during peak events like the Festa dei Ceri.

What People Like

Incredibly preserved medieval town
Unique cable car experience
Authentic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Steep streets can be tiring
Limited accommodation during festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gubbio is accessible by car, offering a scenic drive through Umbria. The nearest major airports are Perugia (PEG) and Ancona (AOI). From these airports, you can rent a car or take a train to a nearby town like Fossato di Vico and then a bus or taxi to Gubbio. Instagram+1

Yes, the historic center of Gubbio is very walkable, but be prepared for steep, cobbled streets. Comfortable shoes are essential. Instagram

Walking is the best way to explore the medieval town. For reaching higher points like the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, the Funivia Colle Eletto cable car is a popular and scenic option. TikTokInstagram

While walking is primary, there are local buses that connect different parts of the town, though they are less frequent in the historic center. The cable car is the main public transport for reaching the upper basilica. TikTok

Access to the historic center is restricted for non-residents to preserve its medieval character. There are parking areas outside the walls. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the town itself is free. However, specific attractions like the Palazzo dei Consoli (Civic Museum) and the Cathedral may have admission fees. TikTok

Opening hours vary for different sites. The Palazzo dei Consoli and Civic Museum typically have standard museum hours, while churches are usually open during daylight. It's best to check individual attraction websites for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Yes, there is a fee for the Funivia Colle Eletto. It's a round-trip ticket that allows you to ascend to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo and return. TikTokInstagram

The most famous event is the Festa dei Ceri on May 15th, a spectacular tradition. Other local festivals and markets may occur throughout the year. TikTokInstagram

The Festa dei Ceri is a public event held in the streets and piazza. While there isn't a ticket to 'enter' the festival, accommodation and transport should be booked well in advance due to high demand. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Piazza Grande offers iconic views, especially at sunset. The Funivia Colle Eletto provides stunning aerial perspectives. Don't miss the charming narrow streets and ancient doorways for atmospheric shots. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! The Funivia Colle Eletto offers incredible panoramic photo opportunities of Gubbio and the surrounding Umbrian countryside. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light for photographing the medieval architecture. Midday can be harsh, but offers good light for capturing details. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. Inside churches or museums, there might be specific rules, so it's always good to check signage. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide cityscapes and street details. A wide-angle lens is great for the narrow streets and Piazza Grande. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Don't miss 'Friccò di Gubbio,' a rustic meat stew. Umbrian specialties like truffles, cured meats, and local pasta dishes are also highly recommended. TikTokInstagram

Look for 'trattorias' and 'osterias' tucked away in the side streets for a more authentic experience. Ask locals for their favorite spots. Reddit

While traditional Umbrian cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants offer pasta dishes with vegetable sauces, salads, and other vegetarian options. Vegan options might require specific requests. Instagram

The Fontana del Bargello is known as the 'Fountain of the Mad.' While not directly food-related, the tradition of drinking from it to get a 'madman's license' is a fun local quirk. TikTokInstagram

Yes, like most Italian towns, Gubbio has several 'gelaterias' offering delicious artisanal gelato. Look for places with natural colors and seasonal flavors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gubbio offers a charming medieval adventure for families. The Fontana del Bargello tradition of getting a 'madman's license' is a fun, interactive experience that kids will love. TikTokInstagram The Funivia Colle Eletto cable car is also a hit with children, providing exciting views and a unique ride. TikTok+1

Encourage them to explore the winding streets and imagine life in a medieval town. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for lots of walking on uneven surfaces. Consider visiting during a less crowded time of year to make the experience more relaxed.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Gubbio is a wonderful destination for solo travelers seeking authentic Italian charm and a slower pace. The compact historic center is easy to navigate on foot, allowing for spontaneous exploration. Instagram+1 The Funivia Colle Eletto offers a moment of reflection with stunning views, and the 'madman's license' tradition is a lighthearted way to engage with local culture. TikTokInstagram

Consider staying in a centrally located hotel or Airbnb to easily access attractions and restaurants. Engaging with locals at trattorias can lead to delightful conversations and recommendations. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Gubbio is a photographer's dream, with its incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture and dramatic landscapes. Piazza Grande is a must-shoot, especially during golden hour for its atmospheric light. TikTokInstagram The Funivia Colle Eletto provides unparalleled aerial perspectives of the town and surrounding Umbrian countryside. Instagram

Don't shy away from the narrow, winding alleys; they offer endless opportunities for capturing intimate street scenes, ancient doorways, and textures. The unique stone buildings lend themselves to dramatic black and white photography as well as vibrant color shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Festa dei Ceri: A Millennia-Old Tradition

The Festa dei Ceri is Gubbio's most iconic event, held annually on May 15th in honor of Saint Ubaldo, the city's patron saint. This ancient tradition, dating back to at least the 12th century, involves a dramatic and perilous race where massive wooden 'Ceri' (candles) are carried at breakneck speed through the narrow streets by teams of 'Ceraioli'. TikTokInstagram+1

Each Cero is topped with a statue of a saint: Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony. The race is not a competition between the Ceri, but rather a demonstration of devotion and community spirit, with the goal of returning them to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo on Monte Ingino. The sheer energy and fervor of the event are palpable, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. Instagram

If you plan to visit for the Festa dei Ceri, booking accommodation and transport well in advance is crucial, as Gubbio becomes incredibly crowded. InstagramReddit

Exploring Gubbio's Medieval Architecture

Gubbio is a masterpiece of medieval urban planning, characterized by its steep, winding streets and imposing stone buildings. The Palazzo dei Consoli, a magnificent Gothic structure dominating Piazza Grande, is a symbol of the city's power and history. Inside, you can visit the Civic Museum, which houses important local artifacts and art. TikTok+1

Beyond the main piazza, wander through the labyrinthine alleys to discover hidden courtyards, ancient doorways, and the Fontana del Bargello. This fountain is not just a water source but a site of a unique local tradition where visitors can earn a 'madman's license' by completing three circuits around it. TikTokInstagram

The city's architecture is remarkably well-preserved, offering a genuine glimpse into medieval life. The use of local limestone gives Gubbio a distinctive, almost ethereal glow, especially during sunrise and sunset. Instagram+1

The Unique Funivia Colle Eletto

For a truly unforgettable experience and breathtaking views, take the Funivia Colle Eletto. This is not your typical enclosed cable car; it consists of small, open-air 'bird cages' designed for two people. The ride takes you from the edge of the historic center up to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, perched high on Monte Ingino. TikTokInstagram+1

The ascent offers spectacular panoramic vistas of Gubbio's terracotta rooftops, the surrounding Umbrian hills, and the vast countryside. It’s a thrilling and scenic journey that provides a unique perspective on the town and its landscape. Instagram+1

At the top, you can visit the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, a significant pilgrimage site, and enjoy the expansive views before descending back into the town. The cable car operates seasonally, so it's advisable to check its operating hours before your visit. TikTok

You may also like