Gubbio is located in the province of Perugia, at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Crossed by the Camignano stream, Gubbio enjoys a picturesque setting in the homonymous valley, at the entrance of a rocky gorge dominated by Mount Ingino, preserving a distinctly medieval character.
Originally it was the capital of Umbria region, known as Iguvium, later it became a Roman colony and a municipium. It was destroyed by Totila and it became a free commune in the 11th century.
Troubled by Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts, it rebelled against Frederick II in 1237 and against the papal legates in 1376. After a brief rulership by the Della Faggiuola, the Gabrielli, and Cardinal Albornoz, in 1384, it fell under the rule of the Dukes of Montefeltro, who brought it remarkable prosperity, making Gubbio a center of power, arts, and commerce. In 1508, Gubbio passed from the Montefeltro rule to the Della Rovere family, in 1624 under Church domain and in 1860 it was incorporated into Umbria region. Due to multiple partisan actions, Germany retaliated against the town during World War II (1944).
Since 416, Gubbio has been an ancient diocese and has always been a religious center known for its fervour. Franciscanism was one of the most significant influences on it in the 13th century.
