The ideal itinerary to discover the hinterland of Umbria, a small and wonderful region in the heart of Italy, can not do without two very famous places: after Assisi and Perugia, here is Gubbio and Todi!
Gubbio
The town of Gubbio, in Umbria, stands on the side of Mount Ingino. Also known as “the city of stone”, it is able to conquer anyone with its irresistible medieval charm.
Fonte: dal web
Its origins date back to the third-first century BC, in Umbria, as witnessed by the Eugubine tables found on site and exhibited at the Civic Museum in Palazzo dei Consoli.
His best period, however, is certainly the one around the year one thousand, then at the time of the Municipalities and under the guidance of Bishop Ubaldo.
During the fourteenth century, Gubbio, Umbria, takes on the current appearance, maintaining, however, a climate and atmosphere deeply linked to the past, with a mystical and legendary flavor.
What to see in Gubbio
Gubbio is located in the northern part of Umbria. Thanks to its typically medieval appearance, it is certainly among the most picturesque cities in central Italy, as well as among the richest in history, art and culture. Here’s what to see in the city:
Piazza Grande
The heart of Gubbio, in Umbria, coincides with Piazza Grande, overlooked by Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Pretorio. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view that is the backdrop to the filming of the famous television drama Don Matteo.
Fonte: dal web
Palazzo dei Consoli, Civic Museum and Palazzo del Podestà
The Palazzo dei Consoli is located right in the city centre, with its Gothic façade. Inside it houses the Civic Museum of Gubbio, in Umbria, a Picture Gallery and an interesting exhibition of ceramics, in addition to the aforementioned Tables Eugubine.
Fonte: dal web
The Palazzo del Podestà, however, is located in front of Palazzo dei Consoli and is the current seat of the offices of the Municipality, in Umbria.
Palazzo Ducale
Also known as the Corte Nuova, the Palazzo Ducale, in Umbria, is a majestic Renaissance-style building that now houses a historical museum. It is the extension and transformation of an ancient nucleus of medieval buildings.
Fonte: dal web
Palazzo del Bargello and the Fontana dei matti
The Palazzo del Bargello is one of the most beautiful buildings in Gubbio, Umbria. It dates back to the fourteenth century and is made in Gothic style. Today it houses the Museum of the Crossbow.
Fonte: dal web
Exactly opposite, here is the Fontana dei Matti: according to popular belief, foreigners must make three runs around the fountain and be bathed with its water to become citizens of Gubbio with the nickname of “Matto honoraio di Gubbio”.
Duomo
The Cathedral of Gubbio, in Umbria, is also known as Basilica dei Santi Mariano e Giacomo Martiri. Its construction dates back to the twelfth century and consists of a real religious building in Gothic style.
Fonte: dal web
Churches of San Francesco
In Gubbio, Umbria, there are two churches that bear the name of San Francesco: the first is where the Saint took refuge after escaping from home, while the second became famous because it is built right in the place where the Saint signed the famous pact with the wolf.
Fonte: dal web
According to the stories, in fact, when San Francesco arrived in Gubbio he found it deserted because the inhabitants were terrified by the presence of a wolf; after searching in the woods, he asked him not to hurt him or the other men holding a pact on a stone (still visible) inside the Church of San Francesco dei Muratori.
Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo
To reach the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo you have to make a real excursion: after climbing the cable car to the city center, you climb up to Monte Ingino along a climb of about 500 meters. On top the show is really amazing!
Fonte: dal web
Roman Theatre and Antiquarium
The Roman Theatre of Gubbio is an archaeological complex that includes the remains of a Roman theater that, at the time, could hold up to 6 thousand spectators. Nearby is the Antiquarium, where you can admire some Roman finds.
Fonte: dal web
Todi
Just like Gubbio, Todi is a distinctly medieval city that stands out for its elegance and beauty. It has developed in three different and successive eras, each witnessed by a circle of walls: pre-Roman, Roman and medieval.
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After the year 1000, Todi had a feudal and noble regime, to be governed first by the Consuls, then by the Podestà and finally by the Captain of the People. After the unification of Italy, however, the city lost several territories and assumed the appearance and dimensions today.
What to see in Todi
Todi is a small town but, at the same time, highly fascinating. Just walk through its historic center to admire and appreciate every single detail, keeping in mind to visit at least the following places:
Piazza del Popolo
The beating heart of Todi is Piazza del Popolo, which overlooks the main buildings of the city: Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Capitano, Palazzo dei Priori and the Annunziata Cathedral.
Fonte: dal web
The Palazzo del Popolo is a municipal building, among the oldest in Italy: its construction dates back to the thirteenth century and is in Gothic-Lombard style.
The Palazzo del Capitano, however, is the seat of the Municipality of Todi and the Civic Museum, while the Palazzo dei Priori is of medieval origin and is the current seat of the Court.
Fonte: dal web
Finally, the Annunziata Cathedral shows a Romanesque-Lombard style and was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Apollo. It is distinguished by its bell tower and monumental staircase.
Bell Tower of San Fortunato
Those who want to enjoy a complete panorama of the city must definitely climb to the top of the Campanile di San Fortunato: after climbing 153 steps, in fact, you can admire the city, the Tiber Valley and the surrounding areas from a very privileged place!
Fonte: dal web
Todi underground
The city is not only on the surface: Todi also has an underground soul, consisting of a path of over 5 kilometers that allows you to admire more than 30 Roman cisterns, pre-Roman and medieval tunnels and tunnels.
Fonte: dal web
Rocca di Todi
Finally, for a last look at the city before going away, it is recommended to climb the Rocca di Todi: built in the fourteenth century at the behest of Pope Gregory XI, with its 400 meters high offers a beautiful view of the surrounding park.
Fonte: dal web
And the surprises are not over yet: the tour of the Umbrian hinterland continues with Bevagna, Montefalco and Spello!
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