my ideal city or place in the world is…

– My ideal city or place in the world is... –

My ideal city or place in the world is Gubbio, a city rich in natural beauty and art where history, culture and landscape coexist in a harmonious symbiosis.

You will discover the magic of a thousand-year history, in the culture and traditions of a city that never ceases to amaze.

– Where is Gubbio? –

Gubbio is part of the province of Perugia which is located in Umbria. Its territory is mainly mountainous and hilly. Its Colle Eletto cableway goes up to Monte Ingino, where the basilica of Sant’Ubaldo is situated and from where you can enjoy the panorama of the Apennines.

The city is located within walls of medieval origins.

– Gubbio is very old! –

Gubbio is one of the oldest cities in Umbria, wonderfully preserved over the centuries and full of monuments that testify  its glorious past.

Evidence of its ancient origins are the Eugubine Tables and the Roman theater located just outside the walls.

– Focus –

Gubbio is defined as “gray city”, nickname born because of  the color that characterizes the limestone blocks with which was built this beautiful village.

– Let’s start visiting –

Once you enter the main gate of the walls you can admire the ancient Piazza Grande, dating back to 1300 when it was decided to build a public palace in a place close to all the neighborhoods. Piazza Grande is the place most loved by inhabitants and tourists: daily life is lived here and the most important civil and religious events of the Umbrian town take place.

The Palazzo dei Consoli is one of the most impressive public buildings in Italy and was the first palace to have running water. It was built right in the center of the city in order to be close to all the neighborhoods.

– All the best are crazy –

Subsequently you can admire the famous Fontana dei Matti from which the appellative of Gubbio descends as “city of the mad”.

According to an ancient tradition, the tourist who makes three runs around the fountain and bathes with water becomes a citizen of Gubbio with the title of “Honorary Fool of Gubbio”, intended as a funny person.

– San Francesco and the wolf –

The city of Gubbio is linked to the ancient history of San Francesco d’Assisi, in fact two churches were dedicated to him: the Church of San Francesco and the Church of San Francesco della Pace.

The latter is characterized by the episode of the pact between the ravenous wolf of Gubbio and the saint, also outside the city walls there is a statue depicting the wolf that gives the paw to San Francesco.

 – Ancient Roman amphitheater –

Wonderful to admire are the remains of a Roman amphitheater dating back to 20 b.C.

– Traditional food, events and... Terence Hill! –

The cuisine in Gubbio is based on ancient recipes and is highly appreciated and known for its authenticity.

The traditional and most awaited event in Gubbio is the Festa dei Ceri which takes place on May 15 of each year and consists of bringing three candles in the running crowned with statues of saints: Sant’Ubaldo, San Giorgio and Sant’Antonio Abate.

A little curiosity: did you know that eight seasons of the fiction “Don Matteo” were filmed in Gubbio? In fact, it is not uncommon to find souvenirs or places dedicated to Terence Hill around the city.

– I love Gubbio –

Gubbio is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited because in its monuments and in its panorama it is possible to perceive all its history, pride for its origins and traditions, and the good principles of religion as the history of San Francesco teaches us.

The German writer and poet Herman Hesse said:

“In Gubbio it is believed to be a dream, instead everything is there, magnificent, firm and fixed on the stone”. 

Bye!-

Terence Hill image by: www.macomelosai.it

Fontana dei Matti image by: travelstales.it

White truffle image by: tesoridellumbria.it

All other images  are by me