Beauty may be hard to measure, but it’s difficult to find anyone who isn’t captivated by Gubbio. Undeniably beautiful, the city enchants visitors with its ancient history, its artistic atmosphere, the ingenious architecture that shapes it, and its vibrant, authentic traditions. Gubbio is a must-see destination on any trip to Umbria.

The history of Gubbio, documented as far back as the Middle Paleolithic, is the subject of many publications and in-depth studies. If you’re passionate about history, our Sperelliana Library, located in the former Olivetan Monastery of San Pietro, is not only worth a visit for its setting, but also for its extensive collection of works dedicated to the city.

Here we’ll just offer a few historical notes—enough to pique your curiosity and inspire you to explore more.

Gubbio has weathered the centuries, from its Bronze Age settlements clinging to the mountainside like a bird of prey, to its flourishing pre-Roman Umbrian civilization with a complex political and religious structure—traces of which remain in the famous Eugubine Tablets. The Roman period saw the development of a grand city with a theater and refined domus. Then, from the 12th century onward, the city contracted back up the mountain slopes, leading to a new civic and religious awakening and the golden age of the free commune.

This was also the era of Bishop Ubaldo, a towering figure both spiritually and politically. During a time of struggle between the papacy and empire, and between Guelphs and Ghibellines, Ubaldo guided Gubbio with wisdom and courage, earning the deep devotion of the people. The Festival of the Ceri, still fervently celebrated today, honors this beloved patron saint.

From the 12th to the 14th century, Gubbio reached the height of its power, becoming a thriving free commune with as many as 50,000 inhabitants. The guilds of arts and crafts were established in this period. It’s also when the heart of the city was built: the Cathedral, Palazzo dei Consoli, Palazzo del Bargello, and Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo.

Piazza Grande, at the very center of town, divides Gubbio into its four historic districts: San Martino, Sant’Andrea, San Giuliano, and San Pietro. During this same era, many of the city’s most significant churches were constructed: San Francesco, Santa Maria dei Laici, San Giovanni, Sant’Agostino, and San Domenico.

In the mid-1300s, Gubbio was beset by internal strife and power struggles. Eventually, in 1384, the city came under the control of Count Antonio da Montefeltro, beginning the era of Montefeltro-Della Rovere rule. The most influential figure of this period was undoubtedly Duke Federico da Montefeltro, who commissioned the elegant Ducal Palace with its hanging gardens.

In 1860, Gubbio became part of the Kingdom of Italy. The Ranghiasci Palace, in neoclassical style, was built, along with the English-style Ranghiasci Park.

There—you couldn’t write it any faster! Now take your time to explore, because there’s so much more to discover… one day is not nearly enough.