GUBBIO, UMBRIA REGION

My brothers decided a trip to Gubbio in the Umbria region was in store for us. This is where my husbands birth family is from. He was speechless.

While driving to Gubbio, our daughter and I were discussing what her dads reaction will be. We both agreed he would probably get choked up. He never thought he’d be in Italy let alone the town where his ancestors were from.

As we departed the bus we were keeping our eye on him. He just stood there in amazement and was trying to take it all in. And yes he did get choked up.

Walking up the ancient cobblestone streets to the center of town was a challenge. Not because it was that difficult. My husband seemed to have this energy to almost run!

We walked through the local farmers market and grabbed some fruit. The little old men sitting around tables drinking their cappuccinos probably discussing the tourists! In these smaller towns no one speaks English. Only Italian.

We reached the top. The Piazza Grande. The view once again was spectacular.

In this great square you are surrounded by Palazzo Ranghiasci,Palazzo Del Podesta and Palazzo Dei Consoli.

We entered Palazzo Dei Consoli because of the wonderful “big bell”. This is Torre Campanaria. The first bell was installed in 1380. The present one 1769. It is rung 61 times a year and accompanied by a ritual with red and grey uniformed bell ringers.

There is a huge display of archaeological finds housed here. Some of it dates back to 200 and 70 B.C. Unbelievable.

We continued down and walked around town.

The Palazzo Del Capitano Del Popolo - this palace was built in the 13th century and houses the Museo della Torturo.

Definitely do not miss the “door of the dead” (porta del morto) and the Fountain of the lunatics” in the Palazzo del Bargello.

As we strolled around for a rest and bite to eat, an elderly local woman asked us if we were from there. We smiled and said no but explained that my husbands ancestors were. She asked his name and we told her his grandmothers name. She said “compagna“.

She kept pointing up to the mountains behind us and said “famiglia”

We had a wonderful conversation with her about Gubbio. She was born and lived here her whole life. She told us to go into the mountains to get the best view of her beautiful city. And to visit the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, Gubbio’s dearest patron saint.

We had to find the top of Mount Ingino.

Only 2 ways up. One by car (not an option for us). And the other by the cabinovia. (the cableway)

We had to go back to the valley at the station near the Church of Saint Agostino. All the churches in the area by the station are worth a visit. The interiors are serene and beautiful.

Talking to a sweet little Italian lady made our visit to Gubbio the best.

The view was unbelievable.

You could see for miles. The whole town.

I only wish we had known when we first got there. There was so much more to see but we ran out of time.

We do however know we will be back!

Gubbio was quaint, charming and historically interesting. The art & food in the Umbria region was a little different than the Tuscan region.

On our way back to the villa it was time for a grocery stop. Feeding all 20 of us every night we needed to stock up.

Be prepared. Everything of course is in Italian. The choices of fruit, cheeses, meats, pastas, the olives! What a wonderful selection of Italy’s best.

Now a word of warning when you get to the bakery.

Every Italian woman from the vicinity knows when the bread is coming out of the oven.

They will knock you to the floor for the hot loaves.

My brother sent his very gutsy 15 year old daughter into this “zone“. My sister-in-law couldn’t handle these women.

I was so proud of my niece. She walked away without a scratch on her and had not 1 but 2 loaves of bread in her hands! Bravo!

While all of the kids swam we put together some antipasti to go with our wine. Grilled fresh Italian sausage and peppers out at the poolside. Threw together a couple of huge salads and of course had our wonderful fresh bread (thanks to my niece) with the best pure extra virgin olive oil.

We discussed how my husband felt seeing where he came from and proceeded to plan for tomorrow. We decided on Florence. They all had already been there but just for a day. They knew there was plenty to see. So they guided us on where to start. We would meet up later in the day while they ventured to other parts of Florence.

Another spectacular sunset over the hills of Tuscany.