gubbio

There's no getting away from it, Gubbio is gorgeous.  It's worth the windy road to contemplate the town's spectacular views.

It is also decidedly gothic.  The town appears austere because of the dark grey stone, narrow streets and medieval architecture.  But it has soul and the locals are friendly, keen to share their proud history.  There are many sights to see including Palazzo dei Consoli, The Duomo (Cathedral) and the Palazzo Ducale, famous for its inner court, reminiscent of the Palazzo Ducale in Urbino.

Worth a visit is the The Vivian Gabiel Oriental Collection. A museum housing a collection of Tibetan, Nepalese, Chinese and Indian art, donated by the British Colonial officer and explorer Sir Edmund Vivian Gabriel.

Gubbio is also known for its palio, the Corsa dei Ceri.  Every year on May 15, three teams run through cheering supporters up the mountain from the main square in front of the Palazzo dei Consoli to the basilica of S. Ubaldo.  Each team carrys a statue of their saint mounted on a wooden octagonal prism, similar to an hour-glass shape 4 meters tall and weighing about 280 kilograms. 

Gubbio is also known for its pottery. A paradise for those seeking hand-crafted maiolica .