the churches
of Gubbio

Umbria is wrapped in sacredness.
Here, in this land, more gods and saints live than men.
Vittorino Andreoli

The Cathedral of Santi Mariano and Giacomo

Built in the 12th century, it was probably erected on top of pre-existing structures. This beautiful cathedral, somewhat hidden and located in a very high area of the historic center, is accessible via elevators. The structure is truly impressive: ten large ogival arches support a single nave, with splendid Gothic lines. Be sure to admire the 16th-century Choir, a remarkable work of wood carving. An integral part of the complex is the Diocesan Museum in the nearby Palazzo dei Canonici

Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo

Located at the top of Mount Ingino, this imposing structure overlooks the valley. Here, in 1192, the body of Saint Ubaldo was transferred. Next to the urn containing the saint’s body, you’ll find the three Ceri, which are brought back to the basilica at the end of the Festival of May 15th. The figure of Saint Ubaldo is so important to the city of Gubbio that the Statute currently adopted by the Municipality states: “The Municipality bases its actions on the ideals of peace, solidarity, and cooperation among peoples, inspired by the human and civic life of Bishop Ubaldo, Saint of Reconciliation.”

San Francesco church

Located in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, it dates back to the first half of the 13th century. It was built next to the warehouse of the Spadalonga family, which hosted Saint Francis when he fled from Assisi after renouncing his father’s wealth. It is the only church in the city with three naves. Noteworthy are some 15th-century frescoes by a young Ottaviano Nelli, depicting the life of the Virgin Mary based on the apocryphal gospels.

San Giovanni Battista church

It is identified as the first cathedral of the ancient Diocese of Gubbio. Romanesque and Gothic styles blend harmoniously here. The setting is particularly charming, with the square in front of the church and the surrounding alleys leading toward Via Piccardi, one of the most characteristic streets in this part of the city.

San Domenico church

Located in Piazza Giordano Bruno and built in 1186, it is part of a large Dominican convent. Inside are several Umbrian school paintings, notably a finely inlaid wooden choir from 1493 and the Leggio del Terzuolo, an important work of the Italian Renaissance. The church also preserves a statue of Saint Anthony the Abbot attributed to the renowned ceramicist Mastro Giorgio.

Sant’Agostino church

Dating back to the second half of the 13th century, it is renowned for the frescoes in the apse and triumphal arch, painted by Ottaviano Nelli: 30 episodes from the life of Saint Augustine, a rare and detailed testimony of the life of the Bishop of Hippo.

San Pietro church

It is the oldest church in the historic center. The façade is like an open book, where the signs of various renovations over time can be read. Noteworthy is the Deposition from the Cross, a precious wooden sculpture from the 13th century, housed in the chapel on the left.

Santa Croce della Foce church

Located right “at the mouth” of the Bottaccione Gorge, this is the church from which the famous Procession of the Dead Christ has begun since the Middle Ages. Of very ancient origin, it has undergone several restorations, which between the 16th and 17th centuries gave it its current appearance. It is home to the only still-active Confraternity in Gubbio, whose mission includes preserving the tradition of singing the “Miserere.”

Madonna del Prato church

Outside the historic center, on Via Perugina, this beautiful Baroque church was designed by Borromini, modeled after the Basilica of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome. The image of the Virgin depicted above the main altar is known as the Madonna del Prato, because the painting was originally placed in a small shrine in the meadow surrounding the church.

Vittorina church

Just outside the city walls, it’s worth the walk. In 1213, Saint Francis was granted the use of this small church for his preaching. During his lifetime, the saint stayed here several times. This is the symbolic and physical starting point of the Franciscan Peace Trail.

Santa Maria Nuova church

  • Via Nelli, 9

  • Info: Museo Diocesano

  • +39 075 922 0904

  • info@museogubbio.it

Accessible upon request, it houses the Madonna del Belvedere, a masterpiece by Ottaviano Nelli.

San Marziale church

Dating back to the 12th century, it may have been built on the foundations of a pagan temple dedicated to Mars. Romanesque in style, with a simple and striking beauty.

San Francesco
della Pace
church

(or of “Muratori”)

This small church located on Via Savelli is one of the most visited by tourists, as it is better known as the church where the tomb of the famous wolf is found.
It also houses the three statues of the Ceri: Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony.