"Above the rooftops of Gubbio: A Ride on the Unique Cable Car to Monte Ingino"
Gubbio, steeped in the extraordinary atmosphere of medieval Italy, is a secluded refuge where time seems to freeze within its intricately woven streets. Strolling through the cobbled labyrinth, one feels transported deep into history, to an era when this city pulsated with life as a significant commercial and cultural hub. Gubbio stands out with its exceptional landmarks, such as the monumental Palazzo dei Consoli or the charming Piazza Grande, which bear witness to the former splendor and power of this place.
Gubbio, nestled in the heart of picturesque Umbria, is a charming town that enchants with its ancient architecture, narrow streets, and charming squares. It's here that for several years Don Matteo, the prototype of Sandomierz's Father Mateusz(a Polish TV series in the style of Father Dowling Mysteries), rode his bicycle, solving criminal mysteries and bringing justice to the inhabitants of this delightful place.
Wandering through its winding streets, one mustn't forget that this town is also a paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine. In numerous restaurants and trattorias, you can taste traditional specialties from the Umbria region, such as prosciutto di Norcia (this famous cured meat specialty is one of the eight renowned Italian prosciuttos protected by regional regulations), truffles in various forms, or a variety of cheeses.
Compared to other cities in Umbria, Gubbio is exceptionally convenient to visit. You can leave your car just outside the town at one of the many free parking lots, such as near the Roman theater, and continue your journey on foot. The town is easy to explore, and numerous elevators connecting different levels of the city allow lazy travelers to save the effort of climbing.
Another legend is the Wolf of Gubbio – the wolf that, according to the "Little Flowers of St. Francis," terrorized the city until it was tamed by St. Francis. Wandering through the city, you may come across a monument commemorating this event.
It's also worth visiting the 13th-century cathedral built in the Gothic style with a beautiful altar (shown above), and of course, the Basilica of St. Ubaldo (below).
Every year on May 15th, the town bursts at the seams with tourists who come for the Corsa dei Ceri, the Race of the Candles. This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the death of St. Ubaldo and is commemorated with a parade and a race between teams representing three saints. Colorful masses of participants and spectators, the colors symbolizing the saint they support: St. Ubaldo in yellow, the city's patron and defender; St. Anthony in black, the patron of farmers; and St. George in blue, the patron of merchants. The bishop blesses the competitors and the large wooden candles (pictured below). The main task of the team is to carry a carved wooden beam, weighing over 350 kg and over 2 meters tall, covered in wax to resemble a candle. The beam is carried on crossbars by a team of men, traversing the entire town. At the top of each wooden candle is a statue of one of the three saints. If lifting the replica candle itself wasn't challenging enough, the competitors must also race uphill in a 4km race.
The atmosphere is electrifying as the procession moves through the streets, with the horn-blowing man on horseback pushing through the crowds to clear the way for the competitors, who traverse narrow, winding streets densely packed with spectators. Colorful flags mark the route, and the crowds erupt into loud cheers as they catch sight of the first saints above the heads of the crowd. The teams race uphill towards the Basilica of St. Ubaldo.
We were there on a different date, and to make up for the lack of excitement, we decided to take a rather peculiar cable car up the mountain Funivia Colle Eletto, with its appearance resembling a birdcage, indeed makes for a unique journey lasting just a "thrilling" 6 minutes. During this time, the gondola ascends from an altitude of 532 m above sea level to an impressive 803 m above sea level. Upon reaching the upper station of the cable car, travelers can relax in the bar, and just a step away awaits the majestic Basilica and a picturesque viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas of Umbria.
Every year on December 7th, on the slope of Mount Ingino, a Christmas tree with 800 lights is lit, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records book.
Ticket cost: 6€ for a round trip.
For the most accurate schedule of the cable car, it's best to check the website.
During the summer months, the cable car operates from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
In other months, it operates from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
View of the city from the viewpoint.
In summary, Gubbio is a gem of Umbria that must be seen to believe in its extraordinary magic and unique atmosphere.
Follow us on social media:
The website created using the WebWave.