A mountain town more than 2,500 years old, Gubbio maintains its romantic, medieval ambiance. Of the many medieval festivals hosted within its storied walls, the most fascinating is the ‘Corsa dei Ceri’ (the running of the candles). One of the most unusual and popular events in the religious calendar, the event honors St. Ubaldo, and challenges three teams to carry the “ceri” – enormous wooden figures symbolizing the three saints – to the top of Mount Ingino.

Prowess with the crossbow – or “Balista” – is a skill for which the bowmen of Gubbio were renowned. Today, the rivalry between Gubbio and the old Biturgio (Sansepolcro) is renewed each year in a traditional Middle Ages-styled tournament, held at the end of the May blossom.

According to legend, St. Francis also visited the city, where he had a famous conversation with a wolf, whose descendents still roam the woods and forests behind the town.