Gubbio

Gubbio climbs the lower slopes of Monte Ingino in the Apennines. The ancient Umbrian town of Ikuvium stood here before Roman rule. Bronze tablets discovered in 1444 preserve a lengthy text in the Umbrian language, a remarkable record of the rituals and institutions of that earlier community.

Gubbio's medieval government was troubled by struggles between local factions and papal authority. Cardinal Albornoz had restored papal authority in 1354, but dissatisfaction with papal government later provoked revolt. After rebellion against papal rule, the city submitted to Count Antonio da Montefeltro in 1387. His successors bound Gubbio to the fortunes of the rulers of Urbino. Under Federico da Montefeltro, a ducal palace was built in the city, adding a Renaissance residence to the older buildings on its steep streets.