Gubbio (ikuvium and then iguvium), has
very ancient origins, it was born at the foot of the Monte Igino from Umbre Popolation in
pre-Roman time. It was an important religious place, as the Tavole Eugubine, seven bronze
plates that form the most ancient document of the Italic Civilization, show. First town to confederate with Rome, was
its faithful partner in the Republican time; in Imperial time it was included in the Roman
State, of the beginning of this period (end I cen.B.C.) is the Roman Theatre of which two
arcades have remained.
During the Barbaric invasions it
was invaded and almost destroyed. In the first Middle Age it was under the Bizantine
Domain and then was occupied by the Longobardi and inserted in the Spoleto Ducat. It
became a free town and partecipated to many fights by the side of the Ghibellini, of this
time are the town walls which have been rebuilt several times and still surround the town
nowadays. Even the town plan is typically Medieval.
In the centre there are many
architectural jewels that belong to the comuni period when Gubbio was part of the Church
State. We remember the '200 Palazzo Del Capitano Del Popolo in Romanic style, the Palazzo
dei Consoli, with its magnificent fan-shaped stairs, begun in 1332 in Romanic style with
Gothic features and the Palazzo Pretorio begun in 1349. Very important are the religious
structures together with the dime, in Gothic style, built on a pre existent church,
Sant'Agostino Church for example, San Francesco dedicated to the Saint who is strongly
linked to the town; San Giovanni Church dated XIII cent. Under Urbino Ducat, in 1384,
Gubbio came across a new splendor and of this period is the Palazzo Ducale wanted by Duca
Federico.
In 1624 Gubbio with Urbino came
back to the Church State til 1860 when it was set free by the Fanti General.
This medieval town offers many
festivals linked to its history and religion, among them the most famous is the
"corsa dei ceri" that takes place every year on 15th of May, the Processione del
Cristo Morto and the Gara della Balestra, in recent time Gubbio inhabitants have invented
the biggest Christmas tree in the world. |
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The remains of the Roman Theatre |
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