
Porta Romana
Gubbio: A perfectly preserved medieval gem in Umbria, Italy, offering ancient architecture, stunning views, and quirky traditions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Porta Romana
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gubbio: A perfectly preserved medieval gem in Umbria, Italy, offering ancient architecture, stunning views, and quirky traditions.
"Gubbio is one of Umbria's most enchanting medieval towns, untouched by time."

🎯 Get Your 'Madman' License!
Complete the fun ritual at Fontana del Bargello for a unique Gubbio souvenir! :laughing:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Gubbio's charming streets are steep and cobblestoned. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fontana dei Matti
Via dei Consoli
Earn your 'madman' certificate by completing a quirky ritual around this historic fountain. A must-do for fun!

Piazza Grande
City center
A breathtaking medieval square offering panoramic views of Gubbio and the Umbrian countryside. Perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

Palazzo dei Consoli
Piazza Grande
This iconic symbol of Gubbio houses the Civic Museum. Admire its grandeur and explore the city's history within its walls.

Funivia Colle Eletto
Near the city center
Ride this open-air cable car for spectacular, sweeping views of Gubbio and the surrounding hills. A unique perspective!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gubbio's Medieval Charm
Navigating Gubbio's Hills
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Your 'Madman' License!
Complete the fun ritual at Fontana del Bargello for a unique Gubbio souvenir! :laughing:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Gubbio's charming streets are steep and cobblestoned. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
🚠 Ride the Funicular
For stunning views and an easier ascent, take the Funivia Colle Eletto. :mountain_cableway:
🏛️ Explore the Historic Center
Wander through narrow alleys and grand piazzas; it feels like stepping back in time. :old_key:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Your 'Madman' License!
Complete the fun ritual at Fontana del Bargello for a unique Gubbio souvenir! :laughing:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Gubbio's charming streets are steep and cobblestoned. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
🚠 Ride the Funicular
For stunning views and an easier ascent, take the Funivia Colle Eletto. :mountain_cableway:
🏛️ Explore the Historic Center
Wander through narrow alleys and grand piazzas; it feels like stepping back in time. :old_key:
📸 Capture the Views
Every corner offers a picturesque scene. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gubbio for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval atmosphere and stunning hilltop setting. The unique 'madness' ritual and the panoramic views from the funicular are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. Some note that the town can be quite hilly, requiring comfortable footwear.
"This Tower dates back to around 1400, its main purpose was to defend one of the entrances to the city of Gubbio. It was equipped with a triple defensive system consisting of a drawbridge, an iron gate and a door.
At first it was about 25 meters high, then when its function ended, it was deprived of the battlements. Attached to the Tower were a granary and a Gabella.
The building was inhabited by a guardhouse on the lower floors and by two Claveri at the top. The latter had the keys to the door in their custody. In 1600 the second arch above the Door was walled up (photo) and became a private residence. In 1990 the restoration works began and were concluded in 1994 with the official opening of the Museum."
Edoardo Mariotti
"The Tower of Porta San Agostino, more properly called Porta Romana, is approximately 30 meters high. The door was equipped with a "drawbridge" operated by two chains that came out of the slits still visible today on the front. Attached to the Tower, the rooms for the collection of "gabelle" (municipal taxes) in use until 1800 and still practically intact. Outside, at the top, the oldest walled coat of arms of the City stands out, consisting of a five-humped mountain with six lilies on top (1324)."
Davide Pizzi
"Nothing to do with the Romans. It's just the road to Rome that runs through here."
Aagje Verstraete
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gubbio is best reached by car, offering flexibility to explore 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 city like Perugia and then a bus to Gubbio. Parking is available outside the historic center.
Yes, buses connect Gubbio to major Umbrian cities like Perugia. However, train access is limited. Having a car is recommended for exploring the wider region, but Gubbio itself is walkable once you're there.
There are several parking areas located outside the historic center, particularly near the theater area. From there, you can walk or take local transport into the heart of the town.
Absolutely! Gubbio is perfect for a day trip, offering a concentrated dose of medieval charm. You can see the main highlights like Piazza Grande, the Fontana dei Matti, and enjoy the views.
The best way to explore Gubbio is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the town is built on a steep hill with cobblestone streets. For higher points, consider the funicular.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gubbio's historic center and main piazzas are free to enter. However, specific attractions like the Civic Museum within Palazzo dei Consoli, or the funicular, will require tickets.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official websites for the Civic Museum and other attractions closer to your visit. Many sites are open daily during peak tourist seasons.
While there isn't a widely advertised 'city pass' for Gubbio, purchasing tickets for individual attractions like the museum and funicular is straightforward. Consider if visiting multiple paid sites makes a combined ticket worthwhile if available.
Exploring the town itself is free. Costs will depend on your chosen activities, such as museum entry, funicular rides, and dining. Budget around €10-€20 per person for entry fees if visiting key sites.
Information on purchasing funicular tickets online can be limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets directly at the station upon arrival.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
To become officially 'mad' in Gubbio, you must walk around the Fontana del Bargello three times and then get splashed with its water. It's a fun, quirky tradition!
Beyond Piazza Grande, explore the Cattedrale dei Santi Mariano e Giacomo, the Roman Theatre, and wander through the charming medieval streets. The views from higher points are spectacular.
Yes, Gubbio is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the 'madness' ritual, the funicular ride, and the general atmosphere of a medieval town.
The Ceri are giant wooden candles that are carried in a thrilling race on May 15th. It's a unique and ancient tradition deeply rooted in Gubbio's culture.
Porta Romana, also known as the Tower of Porta San Agostino, was a medieval defensive gate dating back to around 1400. It was part of the city's triple defensive system and later housed tax collectors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Umbrian cuisine is hearty and delicious. Look for dishes featuring truffles, wild boar (cinghiale), strangozzi pasta, and local cheeses. Don't miss trying the regional wines.
Gubbio has many trattorias and restaurants offering authentic Umbrian cuisine. Many are located within the historic center, providing a charming dining experience.
A 'trippaio' is a vendor or establishment specializing in offal, particularly tripe. Florence has famous trippaios, and you can find similar traditional eateries in Umbria.
While traditional Umbrian cuisine is meat-heavy, most restaurants will offer pasta dishes with vegetable sauces or simple vegetable sides. It's always good to ask about vegetarian options.
A meal at a trattoria can range from €20-€30 per person, depending on your order. More upscale restaurants might be slightly higher.
📸 📸 Photography
Piazza Grande offers stunning panoramic shots. The narrow medieval streets, the views from the funicular, and the historic gates like Porta Romana are also highly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shadows add character to the medieval architecture.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and national parks. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone in Gubbio to avoid fines.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is useful for the narrow streets and grand piazzas. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots.
Photography rules vary by church. Some allow it without flash, while others prohibit it entirely. Always look for signage or ask permission before taking photos inside religious buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to explore the medieval streets, imagining knights and castles. The open spaces of Piazza Grande are great for them to run around (under supervision, of course). Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for navigating the hilly terrain. The town's compact nature makes it manageable for a day trip with little ones.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Strike up conversations with locals at cafes or trattorias, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. The 'madness' ritual at the fountain is a great icebreaker and a fun solo activity. Enjoy the freedom to discover hidden alleys and soak in the medieval charm.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the textures of the ancient stone, the narrow, winding streets, and the panoramic views from higher vantage points like the funicular. Don't forget to photograph the unique details, such as the coats of arms and the Fontana dei Matti. Be mindful of the light and try to visit key spots during the early morning or late afternoon for the best results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quirky Tradition of Gubbio's 'Madness'
This tradition is deeply ingrained in the town's identity, and many locals embrace the playful notion that everyone in Gubbio is a little bit mad. It's a testament to the town's enduring spirit and its ability to blend history with lighthearted fun. Don't miss the chance to get your 'certificate' of madness – it makes for a memorable story and a great photo opportunity!
Gubbio's Medieval Architecture and History
The city's history is palpable as you explore. From the ancient Porta Romana (also known as the Tower of Porta San Agostino), which once defended the city's entrance, to the Roman Theatre ruins, Gubbio offers layers of history. The town's layout itself tells a story, with its distinct medieval districts and the imposing structures that have stood for centuries. Walking through Gubbio is like stepping back in time, with every corner revealing a new architectural marvel or historical echo.
Experiencing Gubbio from Above: The Funicular
The journey up provides a unique vantage point of the medieval town, its terracotta rooftops, and the rolling green hills. At the top, you can explore further or simply soak in the expansive vistas. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers and anyone who appreciates stunning natural scenery. The funicular is a popular attraction, especially during peak season, so consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more serene experience.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit