I Quattro Quartieri

Let’s recap. In Gubbio, a festival is held in honor of three saints: Sant’Ubaldo, San Giorgio, and Sant’Antonio. However, the quartieri are four, and they are named after four different saints: San Martino, San Giuliano, Sant’Andrea, and San Pietro. Apart from the quartiere of San Pietro, where the church of the same name is located, in San Martino the most prominent church is San Domenico, in San Giuliano it’s San Giovanni, and in Sant’Andrea… San Marziale.
Don’t worry—Gubbio is full of quirks, but you get used to them.

Quartiere di San Martino

Located to the right of the Camignano stream, San Martino is the oldest quartiere in Gubbio and the most purely medieval, both in its architecture and the character of its residents—witty and charismatic. It’s no coincidence that this area is full of charming restaurants, bars, and cafés, scattered between Piazza Bosone and Piazza Giordano Bruno, where the grand church of San Domenico stands.
Strolling through these streets means encountering 13th-14th century stone buildings, charming views, and architectural gems. Of note are the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the nearby Porta di Santa Croce, the only city gate that still has its original wooden doors. Just a few steps away, don’t miss the evocative church of Santa Croce.

This is also where the Gola del Bottaccione begins.
“Bottaccione” refers to the remains of an ancient reservoir built along the Camignano stream, where the medieval aqueduct begins—one of Gubbio’s marvels, now safely walkable.
The Gola del Bottaccione is of global scientific significance. You may spot geologists examining the rocks here: it was from these formations that a high concentration of iridium (a rare extraterrestrial element found in meteorites) was discovered.

The theory is that a massive meteorite impact caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. The iridium from the impact would have spread through the atmosphere and settled on Earth.

Speaking of dinosaurs, just outside the city walls, at the Monastery of San Benedetto, you can visit the permanent exhibition “Extinction”, which tells the story of life on Earth with a focus on mass extinction events.

Fun fact: some like to connect Gubbio’s eccentricity to the iridium content… Let’s explore that idea. The tradition of the “Matti di Gubbio” celebrates madness as freedom—nonconformity that lets you see the world with humor and imagination. Iridium, rare and incredibly resistant, might symbolically reflect the resilient, unique spirit of Gubbio’s people.

Quartiere di San Giuliano

From Piazza Giordano Bruno, take Via dei Consoli and enter the quartiere of San Giuliano.
On the right side of the street, you’ll see the Palazzo del Bargello with the famous “Fontana dei Matti”, where you can earn your very own “crazy license”.

Walk around the fountain three times, and if you’re lucky enough to find a local to splash you with water, you’ll be officially named a “Matto di Gubbio”.

This square also features a classic example of a “Porta del Morto”: a narrow, elevated doorway typically used in medieval times for defensive purposes—or, according to legend, only to carry out the deceased.

At the heart of this quartiere is Piazza San Giovanni and its gothic church, with a Romanesque bell tower. The piazza was revitalized through a project by architect Gae Aulenti, linking it to the Logge dei Tiratori della Lana.

Quartiere di Sant’Andrea

From Piazza Grande, head down Via XX Settembre. A short walk and a scenic staircase lead to Via Savelli della Porta and the Church of San Francesco della Pace, also known as the “Church of the Builders.” Here you’ll find the tomb of the Wolf of Gubbio and the statues of the three Ceri.
This part of town offers a peaceful, contemplative walk. Don’t miss the deconsecrated Church of Santa Maria Nuova, where you’ll find the magnificent “Madonna del Belvedere” by Ottaviano Nelli (1415). From here, make your way to Via Dante and then to Corso Garibaldi.

On the subject of Dante, the connection between the poet and Gubbio is significant. It was Cante Gabrielli of Gubbio, appointed as podestà of Florence, who sentenced Dante to exile in 1302. Dante wrote the Divine Comedy during his exile years (1302–1321). The link between Gubbio and Dante is referenced in Canto XI of the Purgatorio, where the poet meets “Oderisi, the honor of Gubbio”, a celebrated illuminator.

Fun fact: Have a wish to make? Now’s the time!
At the top of Corso Garibaldi, look for the Statue of Sant’Ubaldo, near the Church of the Holy Trinity. At the base of the statue, there’s a small metal ring, just big enough for your pinky finger. According to local tradition, if you insert your pinky into the ring and say a prayer to the saint, your wish might just come true…

Quartiere di San Pietro

This quartiere is centered around the Church of San Pietro, consecrated in 1058 and later expanded in various phases, particularly from the early 16th century. It was the seat of the city’s largest monastery and now houses the Biblioteca Sperelliana, Gubbio’s cultural hub. Numerous events are hosted here, including concerts, conferences, art therapy workshops, children’s theater, and more.
On the first floor of the library, don’t miss the Divine Comedy by Cecco Bonanotte, a one-of-a-kind edition created by the renowned contemporary figurative sculptor.