Gubbio is much more than just St Francis and the wolf
Gubbio as seen from its funicular
St Francis lore places Gubbio as one of the more important towns in the life of the saint from Assisi. We usually think of Gubbio as the home of the wolf whom Francis tamed. However, the relationship goes much deeper.
After he dramatically separated from his parents in the winter of 1206 Francis set out from Assisi for a friend's house in Gubbio. Not far from Valfabbrica he was mugged by bandits and left for dead in a snowy ditch along the road. The setback didn't deter him, though, nor did the lack of hospitality at a nearby monastery that made him work in the kitchen for a morsel of food. He knew had better friends in Gubbio and one of them, Giacomello Spadalunga, clothed and housed him on his arrival. From here he prayed for and planned his coming ministry.
The site of Giacomello's home is now a church dedicated to the saint, which stands just inside the city walls of Gubbio. The town revers its memories of Francis who, of course, must have visited here often as it was right along one of the paths to his beloved refuge at Santuario della Verna.
Of course, Gubbio has its own story beyond that of Francis of Assisi. This ancient town was important to the Pre-Roman Umbrian people and the Eugubine Tablets housed in its museum are the primary source for our understanding of the ancient Umbrian language. The town is home to ruins of a large Roman amphitheater, testimony to its importance in the 1st century AD, and its medieval buildings are well-preserved and notable. They include the late 12-c. Duomo (cathedral) and the familiar Palazzo dei Consoli from the early 14-c.
Italy is full of medieval towns, of course, but few have an annual festival as well known as Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri. Each May 15th men of the town are divided into three teams which compete to race tall, wooden candles (ceri in Italian) up the winding road to the Basilica of San Ubaldo. It's an intense and athletic event, steeped in tradition.
One of the more interesting features of the town is a ski-lift like funicular that carries passengers in 1-2 person baskets up to the Basilica of San Ubaldo at the top of the city. Modern TV fans would know Gubbio as the town of Don Matteo, erstwhile priest/detective who solves crimes with his innocence and smarts.
Our Florence to Assisi itinerary brings travelers to Gubbio on September 15 where we stay in the lovely 4-star Bosone Palace Hotel. Another three days' walk in the beautiful Chiascio Valley brings us to Assisi itself.
Don Matteo in Gubbio, ready to solve another crime mystery
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With experience based on walking over 4,500 kilometers on pilgrim routes in Europe, we've put together a suite of 2017 pilgrimage itineraries in gorgeous Italy that are perfect for either the first time pilgrim or for experienced pilgrims who want a strong support infrastructure helping them along the way. Here's how we do it:
- Full van service is provided each and every day;
- Full baggage service supports us all the way;
- High-quality accommodations are our home each night;
- A limit of 10 per group means close friendships;
- Accompanied by Via di Francesco expert, Sandy Brown, author of The Way of St. Francis: From Florence to Assisi and Rome
We make sure you're fully prepared to flourish on your walk with our packing lists and training recommendations. We translate for you as needed, and best of all, we become pilgrim family with each other as we walk in these beautiful and memorable steps in gorgeous Italy. Some spots are left. Join us! -- Sandy Brown, Owner
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