Gubbio - Region: Umbria. Location: 200 Km from Rome's Fumicino Airport and 40km from Perugia the capital of Umbria.

I was invited to spend a Sunday in Gubbio, a medieval city perched along the steep slopes of Monte Ingino in Umbria, 40km north-east of the capital, Perugia. A car was arranged and we were off! Suprisingly, in the middle of July the city was almost deserted, so we moved about with ease.

Most striking about Gubbio is the city's compactness, its grey limestone structures of medieval, Gothic and Renaissance times, and great views over the beautiful countryside, prominently showcasing a Roman theatre; easily one of the main attractions of the city, and hard to miss.

Here are some of Gubbio's sights and highlights...

Located below the Gubbio township is the Roman theatre built in the 1st century AD from local limestone. The diameter of the interior is about 70 metres and is distinguished by short stairs; on the external side are arches and pillars. The outer is 110 metres, leading many to mistake this structure for an amphitheatre. It was in fact, the second largest theatre in the Roman Empire, after the theatre of Marcellus in Rome. Open air performances are held here during summer.

Basilica di Sant'Ulbaldo

Whereas, above the city high on the mountain is the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo; accessed either by foot, by funicular from the Porta Romana or, by car. We made our way on foot, stopping along the way for photo opportunities of the city below and magnificent surrounding countryside.

Adorned on the Basilica windows are stories taken from the life of Sant'Ubaldo, Gubbio's patron Saint; while his body is displayed in a crystal urn over the altar. There are some fine door carvings along with frescoes on the walls along the cloister, which still depict the beauty of the XVI century.

Yearly Event-Corsa dei Ceri (candles race)

Each year on May 15 the centuries-old event of the 'Corsa dei Ceri' (candles race) commerates the city's patron Saint. It starts at 5.30am and involves three teams, racing through the city's streets, each carrying a 'cero' (massive candle on a wooden pillar weighing about 400kg), each bearing a statue of a 'rival' saint-S. Giorgio and S. Antonio.

Il Duomo (Cathedral)

In the centre of the city is the Duomo (Cathedral) dating from the late XII century. The most striking feature is the rose window in the facade with, at its sides, the symbols of the Evangelists: the eagle for St John, the lion for St Mark, the angel for St Matthew and, the ox for St Luke.

The high altar is a roman sarcophagus. The most precious art piece is the wooden Christ over the altar.

Piazza Grande (Piazza della Signoria) and il Palazzo dei Consoli

Dominating the city on Piazza Grande (also known as Piazza della Signoria) is the Palazzo dei Consoli, a huge XIV century Gothic building made of limestone. The crenellated facade and tower can be seen from all over the city. Inside is an art gallelry, archaeological museum and the civic museum which houses the Eugubine tables: seven bronze plaques written in the ancient Umbrian language, dating from 300-100BC. Discovered in 1444, they constitute the best existing example of ancient Umbrian script.

A stay in Gubbio is like going back 1000 years in time. In each house, in every street, in the boutiques one breathes a medieval atmosphere that is accentuated by its typical tartufo cuisine, its excellent wine and by its fabulous craftsmanship. Gubbio has a strong artisan ceramic tradition-during the Renaissance it was a major centre of production of majolica pottery.

Gubbio may be a little "off the beaten track", but well worth a visit. Enjoy...

Getting There

The closest train station is Fossato di Vico, about 12 miles away. Buses connect Gubbio with the station and other towns. If traveling by car, take the scenic SS298 road between Perugia and Gubbio. Bus service are also available between Perugia and Gubbio. Buses arrive in Gubbio at Piazza Quaranta Martiri. Umbria has a small airport at Perugia with flights from Europe.