Gubbio

At the present time Hgta has a friendship link with the Italian town of Gubbio. The reason behind this link is that Gubbio is twinned with Salon and Wertheim and involved with many of the festivals and exchange events attended by Hgta.  Both Huntingdon and Godmanchester Town Councils support the development of friendship links with Gubbio progressing towards a formal twinning link in the longer term.

About Gubbio

Gubbio can best be described as an ancient town situated in the northeastern part of the Italian region of Umbria located on the lower slope of Mt Ingino. It is known for its medieval palaces, churches, cathedrals and other historic buildings.

It has a population of around 30,000 and the nearest airport is at Perugia some 45kms distant currently served by Ryan Air from London Stanstead.

The town is the setting for the popular story of Saint Francis of Assisi and The Wolf of Gubbio as recently told by Mario Pirovano in his one-man Play ‘Francis The Holy Jester’ performed on stage at the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon.

Gubbio is also famous for its many festivals and international events including the Race of the Ceri held on the 15th each year and the Festival of Young People held annually in the month of April.

The slope of Mt Ingino provides a wonderful backdrop for the Worlds Largest Christmas Tree on display during December. The tree is actually made up of some 800 lights connected by 40,000 feet of cable in the shape of a tree and sits on the side of Mt Ingino overlooking the town.

A cable car links the town with Mt Ingino and the Basilica of St Ubaldo who is the Patron Saint of Gubbio.

Gubbio’s main industry is Cement manufacturing with tourism coming a strong second. Among the local craft activities historically established in Gubbio ceramics, wood and wrought iron hold prominent position. Other types of craft include instrument-making, leatherwork and plaster moulding.

There are many leisure facilities that cater for sports activities along with several public parks, libraries, cinemas and discotheques and a good range of cafes, hotels and restaurants serving traditional dishes such as white or black truffle, are located in the centre of town.

As well as being twinned with Wertheim and Salon de Provence, Gubbio is also twinned with Thann (France), Jessup (USA) and Sassari (Italy).