Gubbio Hotels Italy

Gubbio Hotels Italy

By:




Some visitors may find Gubbio slightly claustrophobic for spending the night, and luckily there's a new hotel no more than a mile or two outside of town. The Park Hotel Ai Cappueeini occupies a 17th century Franciscan monastery set in a spacious park on via Tifernate. The sober, almost stark exterior belies the lavish interior, which sports every modern convenience, including a grand swimming pool, full fitness center, video room, many conference rooms, and more.

Although tastefully decorated with expensive furnishings, there's a feeling of sterility nothing evocative of conventual comfort. Rather, the hotel seems more oriented to the business class. And given its vastness, it definitely needs the softening touch of a full clientele. Moderate to expensive, depending on who's footing the bill you or your company.

Medieval buffs hankering for a crossbow should go to the Bottega del Artigiano di Antonio Bei at via Borghetto Nuovo 9. (Crossbows penetrated with such force that in 1139 the Lateran Council voted to prohibit their use; the attempt was unsuccessful.) Bibliophiles will find a wide selection of books and old maps at Gabriel, via dei Consoli 24.
At the top of town the Palazzo Ducale and the Duomo face each other. The Palazzo Dueale is built on the remains of an older building where Charlemagne and Frederick II had stayed. Notable for its lovely Renaissance courtyard, a subtle blend of flowing arches and Corinthian columns, it was redone for Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, who seized Gubbio during its waning days of independence.

Across the small piazza is the Duomo, a 13th century church with a graceful facade constructed of soothing lavender gray brick. The interior is serenely beautiful, with an elegant geometry created by rows of Gothic arches, and lovely frescoes by Nucci, Doni, Gherardi, and Viti, as well as stunning 12th century stained glass windows.
The snug alleys and streets yield a host of surprises, like small gardens and homes with the strange porte dei morti (death doors). Tall and narrow, placed roughly four feet above street level, often with stairs leading to them, these doors, it was thought, were used as passageways for coffins. But another, less colorful explanation establishes them as safety entrances used during barbarian raids.

The most picturesque streets within the medieval center are the via dei Galeotti, via Piccardi, and via Baldassini, where, at number 28, the Ceramiche Casagrande Giorgio features the impressive ceramics for which the city is famousparticularly the black bucchero and lusterware. Unfortunately, the secrets of the rubyred lusterware per ished with the master ceramist Maestro Giorgio when he died. There are many ceramic and antiques shops along here, as well as a great little inexpensive trattoria, the Rostieeeria Gianna, at number 26, perfect for grilled meats and true cucina casalinga.
Another good shopping street is the via dei Consoli, behind the Palazzo dei Consoli. Umbria is a beehive of artisans, who craft everything from handloomed tablecloths to gaily colored pottery and fine lace. Gualdo Tadino, southeast of Gubbio on route 3, is known for its rich polychrome and metallic pottery. The International Pottery Exhibition and Competition is held here every July and August.

A good excursion, northeast about 50 km (30 miles) via the Sassoferrato road, is to the fascinating Frasassi Caves, an exrensivenerwork of underground caves bristling with sta lagmites, stalactites, and other incredible forms. The emerald countryside surrounding Gubbio is com posed of vast hills and valleys punctuated by the odd monas tery or two and pleasant small villages. For a superlatively scenic road through this area, look for route 298, connecting Gubbio with Perugia. Also along here, at Mengara, you will find a good Agriturismo hotel/restaurant, the Oasi Verde, aptly named since it sits on lovely green grounds within a working farm. This is no frills lodging, with clean, simple rooms (all with bath) and an occasional flourish in the public spaces. But the price is right, and it makes a good choice for families. And the location can't be beat.

About the Author:
Adrian Vultur writes articles for seo content tarvel and hotel web sites find out more information about Article marketing submission service



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags:

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent SEO Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.