Christmas time trasforms some places into a small paradise on Earth. Thanks to the countless initiatives organized in these centres and to the beautiful decorations, some Italian towns adquire a special aspect that make them even more beautiful. One of the cities that turns into a small Santa Claus village is Gubbio, one of Umbria's best cities to visit.
Would you like to discover why? Keep reading!
What has made Gubbio an excellent winter destination is the incredible Christmas tree decorated on the slopes of Mount Ingino at the beginning of December. On the side of the mountain, the shape of a magnificent tree appears in a fewdays, thanks to the effort and involvement of all Gubbio's inhabitants. The tree is 650 meters long, it has a base of 350 meters, it is illuminated by hundreds of multicolored lights and by a lovely comet star with a surface of 1000 square meters put on its top. Its whole area covers the distance between the city walls and the basilica of the patron Saint of Gubbio, called Sant’Ubaldo, which is located right on top of the mountain.
The making of this tree is a tradition taking place every year since 1991. This unique work of art has entered the Guinness Book of Records, because it is actually the largest Christmas tree in the world! Usually, it lights up from sunset until late at night, during the period from early December to Epiphany. However, the most romantic ones can also adopt one of the lights and dedicate it to someone they love! This will keep the light on 24 hours a day, for the entire Christmas period.
However, there is much more to see in Gubbio! In Piazza 40 Martiri you can find the Tyrolean-style Christmas market , a charming place attracting the young and old with its large variety of handicrafts and typical gastronomic specialties. If you wish to visit the city in an original way, you can also use the majestic Santa's sleigh or the Gubbio Express Christmas train with your family, as they will surely guarantee fun to all your children! Finally, do not miss the large Ferris wheel of the North Pole, a tourist attraction that makes you admire the whole village and its imposing Christmas tree from above. Another way to see it is by climbing the "Colle Eletto" funicular, which connects the city center with the basilica located on the top of the mountain.
The whole city center is decorated with splendid decorations In San Martino district there is a life-size nativity scene with more than one hundred statues, while in San Pietro district people organize a living nativity scene, staging ancient crafts and the everyday activites of Medieval life. Also, Christmas lights give a unique atmosphere to places like San Pietro and San Giovanni squares, which always light up with suggestive colored lights.
What are you waiting for? Start organizing your trip to Gubbio and plan your visit! Take a look at our selection of villas for rent in Umbria, like Villa Gubbio or Villa Contessaand book your favorite one!
© Alice Pilastri
