Gubbio,
Italia
The history of Gubbio hearkens back to the Paleolithic period as evidenced by archaeological finds of prehistoric remnants. In the 3rd-1st centuries B.C., during pre-Roman times, Gubbio was an important center for the Umbrians and, based on my own observations, this charming walled medieval town still retains a special place of importance in the hearts of its citizens.
Gubbio,
like most, if not all, of the mountain towns in Umbria, has had a
colorful history marked by periodic church control, hostility with
neighboring towns, (in this case it was Perugia), and internal
struggles between noble families who wanted dominion and increased
power. Within its walls were built an imposing city hall and a
Renaissance style Ducal Palace plus an array of palazzos that
surround its main piazza. Considered a part of the various republics
that controlled what later became the Kingdom of Italy, Gubbio was
known for its crafts in ceramics, wood, and ironwork, all of which
are in evidence (and on sale) today. As to its cuisine, the “art
of eating well” has long held a place in its traditions; I can
personally attest to this after a lunch at la Taverna del Lupo where
I indulged in an extraordinary meal.
It
rained the day my group and I visited, but that didn't spoil anyone's
delight; (due to the inclement weather, we couldn't go up in the
funicolare so this adventure will have to wait until my next visit.)
We began our tour with a visit to the Mausoleum of the Forty Martyrs;
a sobering experience and a reminder of the atrocities of World War
II. Towards the end of the war, a group of partisans shot and killed
a German doctor; an event that had grave repercussions as the Germans
lined up and shot a random grouping of 40 innocent civilians.
Visiting the mausoleum one comes face-to-face with tragedy and loss
as the pictures of the martyrs are on their stones...young men and
women and some...members of the same family.
After
a quiet visit, we drove to town and met up with Daniela, our lovely guide, who led us
up and down the winding streets and through out-of-the-way
neighborhoods. This was my third visit to Gubbio and each time there
I become even more enchanted with its beauty and charm. The more time
I spend in Umbria, the more I appreciate the history of this region
and the historical, geographical, and cultural diversity of its many
hillside towns.
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