Discover Gubbio’s Majestic Palazzo dei Consoli: A Journey Through Medieval Architectural Splendor
The Land of St. Francis, Umbria, represents one of the regions where the medieval era has made its deepest mark, bestowing upon the world—through mankind itself—architectural marvels that stand as the pride of all Italy. A good chunk of these gems of creative brilliance find their home in Gubbio. Strolling through its historic center gives you a unique sense of pleasurable detachment, as if you’re stepping into a different, refined, and enthralling dimension.
Right here stands the magnificent Palazzo dei Consoli (once the residence of the Supreme Judiciary of the free commune). Its facade majestically dominates the Grand Square, which has amazed thousands of tourists for centuries.
This building has its roots in the design phase spanning between 1332 and 1349. Seventeen years went into its construction, but the end result is nothing short of jaw-dropping. It’s impossible to deny the emotional impact it has on its beholders, singing the praises of both its designer, Angelo da Orvieto (whose commemorative inscription graces the arch above the entrance), and the executor from Gubbio, Matteo di Giovannello, also known as Gattapone.
What to See Inside the Palace
Upon first glance, you’ll notice the front section divided into three parts. The complex itself is laid out in a rectangular plan, divided into separate yet harmonious sections. The first section showcases a “fan-shaped” staircase that, due to its convex form, could seem somewhat “off-putting” yet tourists can’t help but ascend it to enter the Gothic-style building towering at an impressive 60 meters.
The Madonna and Child between St. John the Baptist and St. Ubaldo—an awe-inspiring fresco from 1495 by Bernardino di Nanni—immediately hints at an artistic richness that goes beyond just the stunning exterior. The second order features six consecutive windows topped with a dentil molding, blending a crenellated finish with marginal decorations.
The building’s grandeur is crowned by a bell tower on the left side that reaches skyward with unapologetic pride. Encased within is the Campanone di Giovanni Battista Donati, cast in 1769, ever since considered one of the “Voices of Gubbio.” The ground floor hosts the Archaeological Museum, while the first floor is home to the Art Gallery, framed by the splendid Hall of the Arengo with its satisfying barrel vaults. Other captivating features include the palace chapel and the main floor adorned with wooden furniture and fountains.
Civic Museum
The Archaeological Museum and the Art Gallery form an exhibition complex known as the Civic Museum, illustrating the historical journey of Gubbio from prehistory to the modern age. Among the highlights are the Iguvine Tables, a collection of seven bronze slabs bearing the most significant text in the Umbrian language—a pearl of exceptional value and antiquity. Also noteworthy is a treasure trove of rare coins, medieval currency, and Roman denominations that would tantalize any collector.
A wide array of ceramics and terracotta cookware winds along a secret corridor, a passage where you can admire plumbing and sanitation systems remarkably futuristic for their time. The Palazzo dei Consoli was the first building in Umbria to introduce running water—an innovation that was no small feat.
The Art Gallery boasts unique pieces like a miniature reliquary from the 14th century, a 16th-century Gonfalone, the Immaculate Conception by Francesco Signorelli (1527), and a wooden crucifix from the 1400s carved by the Master of the Cross of Gubbio.
How to Get There
By car, from the north, you can take the A14 Adriatic motorway, exiting at Fano and then heading towards Gubbio. The alternative is the Autostrada del Sole, exiting at Arezzo and continuing towards your destination. From the south, the exits change: for the A14, exit at Ancona Nord, while for the A1, exit at Orte. The available railway line is the Rome–Ancona route, passing through the Fossato di Vico/Gubbio station, about 18 km away but connected by bus service. The closest airport is Perugia‘s “San Francesco d’Assisi,” 45 km from Gubbio.
Useful Information for Visiting Palazzo dei Consoli
Location: Piazza Grande – Gubbio (PG) Hours: Vary by season and day; consult the official website or contact the museum Website: www.gubbioculturamultiservizi.it Telephone: +39 075 9273620
If you’re traveling through Italy and want to immerse yourself in its rich, medieval past while still enjoying modern-day comforts, don’t let Gubbio and its treasure, the Palazzo dei Consoli, slip through your fingers. This palace is the epitome of architectural splendor, historical richness, and cultural vitality—qualities that make it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
Operating Hours and Admission Fees
- April/May and September/October: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- June (Weekdays): 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- June (Weekends): 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- July/August: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- November/March: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Admission Price:
- Full ticket: €5
- Reduced ticket: €2.50 (for those aged 7 to 25 and over 60)
Where to Park
You can park your car at Piazza 40 Martiri, which is just a stone’s throw from the historic center.
