Gubbio on Foot: A Journey into the Past with a Glimpse to the Present
Gubbio, a medieval town nestled among the green Umbrian hills, is a treasure trove of art and ancient traditions. The Walking Tour offered by Secret Umbria will guide you through squares, cobblestone streets, and evocative corners that come alive through the guide’s storytelling, revealing tales from the past.
This walking tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, is designed to immerse you simply yet deeply in the unique atmosphere of Gubbio. .
Church of Saint Francis
The Church of Saint Francis overlooks Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri, the meeting point for this guided tour. Dating back to the 13th century, it reflects the deep devotion of the people of Gubbio to the “Poor Man of Assisi,” who, according to legend, freed the city from a terrifying wolf—one of the most iconic stories of Saint Francis.
San Martino District
The guided tour winds through the medieval district of San Martino, home over the centuries to important historical figures, including two popes. Here you’ll find the famous Bargello Fountain, known for a quirky local tradition: walk around it three times and be “baptized” by a citizen of Gubbio with its water, and you’ll receive the “Patente da Matto”—the “License of Madness”—an honorary title that celebrates the joyful spirit of Gubbio, also known as the “City of Madmen.”
Piazza Grande
The gravitational center of Gubbio is Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most stunning medieval squares, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Suspended between sky and earth and framed by historic buildings, the square is a masterpiece of 14th-century urban planning.
Dominating the square is the Palazzo dei Consoli, a Gothic architectural marvel and enduring symbol of Gubbio’s power and culture. Its grand façade and monumental staircase transport visitors back to the city’s heyday as a thriving medieval commune.
Piazza Grande also serves as the stage for Gubbio’s most beloved tradition: the Festa dei Ceri, a centuries-old festival held every year on May 15th that embodies the town’s spirit and devotion.
Cathedral of Gubbio
Dedicated to Saints James and Marian, the Cathedral marks the highest point reached on the walking tour. Accessed through what was once the ancient canon’s garden—now offering a scenic panoramic view—the interior reveals a dark, atmospheric space, enriched by the vibrant light from stained-glass windows and recent lighting that highlights the ribbed ogival arches of the nave.
Hanging Garden
Opposite the Cathedral, and marking the end of the walking tour, lies the hanging garden of the Ducal Palace, a Renaissance residence built at the behest of Duke Federico da Montefeltro. The palace once housed the famous studiolo, with its original wood inlays now preserved at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The Giardini del Voltone are the perfect place to conclude the guided visit, offering a beautiful view of the Piazza Grande below and the dramatic landscape beyond.
The Gubbio Walking Tour Awaits You
Book your guided visit and be swept away by the magic of Gubbio: its history, art, folklore, and natural beauty are just waiting to be discovered.
