GemmaNestled in the heart of Umbria, Gubbio is like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule. With its cobbled streets, ancient palaces, and lively squares, this medieval town offers an experience that feels straight out of a storybook. Walking through Gubbio, you almost expect to see knights on horseback and merchants selling wares at every corner. From my own personal experience, the real charm of Gubbio isn’t just in its landmarks—it’s in its streets. Each one tells a story, each corner holds a secret, and every step invites you to slow down, explore, and get lost in history.
If you’re planning a visit or just curious about what makes this town so enchanting, here’s a guide to 12 medieval streets in Gubbio that you truly need to see, along with things to do and spots you’ll fall in love with.
Via dei Consoli
Often referred to as the main artery of medieval Gubbio, Via dei Consoli stretches from Piazza Grande down toward the old city gates. Walking here, you’ll notice the elegant stone buildings, the wrought-iron balconies, and the sense that centuries of history have unfolded on these stones. Take your time to peek into artisan shops selling handmade ceramics or leather goods—perfect souvenirs for anyone wanting to carry a piece of Gubbio home.
Things to do: Visit Palazzo dei Consoli, climb the nearby steps for panoramic views, and stop at local cafés for a strong Italian espresso.
Via della Repubblica
This street is a mixture of history and daily life, where you can see locals going about their routines amid medieval architecture. The street has an easy flow and invites you to wander without a strict plan. Based on my overall experience, the charm here is not just in the buildings but in how life feels uninterrupted by time.
Things to do: Enjoy window-shopping, try traditional Umbrian pastries, and watch street performers near the main intersections.
Via Baldassini
Via Baldassini is narrow, winding, and brimming with character. It’s perfect if you love the thrill of discovering hidden alleys and little piazzas tucked away from the crowds. The street is lined with medieval stone houses adorned with wooden shutters and flower boxes that make each step picturesque.
Things to do: Capture photos of the medieval façades, stop for a gelato at one of the family-run shops, and explore the tiny chapels that often go unnoticed.
Via dei Consoli Vecchia
This street is a quieter extension of the bustling Via dei Consoli, offering a more intimate glimpse of Gubbio’s medieval layout. Walking here feels like slipping back in time, especially early in the morning when the town is just waking up.
Things to do: Enjoy a leisurely stroll, appreciate the old street lamps and arches, and pop into small local shops.
Via del Mercato
Historically, this street was the heart of commerce in Gubbio. Today, it retains its lively spirit with boutique stores, artisan workshops, and cafés. The medieval stone paving has a unique texture underfoot, making it impossible not to notice the history beneath your shoes.
Things to do: Shop for handmade crafts, taste local olive oils, and explore small galleries tucked between the shops.
Via dei Tintori
Named after the dyers who once worked here, Via dei Tintori is one of the most colorful streets in Gubbio, literally and figuratively. Hints of history are everywhere—from faded signs of ancient workshops to the textures of the walls that have witnessed centuries of life.
Things to do: Look for art studios, learn about the dyeing tradition at small museums, and enjoy the view of ivy climbing along stone walls.
Via della Maestà
This street offers one of the best views of Gubbio’s medieval rooftops. The incline can be a bit challenging, but it’s worth every step. Along the way, you’ll see statues, plaques, and the occasional street musician playing for the tourists and locals alike.
Things to do: Stop at viewpoints, photograph the terracotta rooftops, and savor a coffee at a terrace café.
Via Capodieci
Via Capodieci is all about narrow charm and medieval authenticity. It feels untouched by time, with uneven paving stones and historic houses that tell the story of daily life centuries ago.
Things to do: Take your time exploring, chat with local shop owners, and look out for hidden staircases leading to secret gardens.
Via del Duomo
This street leads directly to Gubbio’s stunning cathedral. Its medieval atmosphere is enhanced by the grand façades and the small artisan shops lining the route. Walking here gives you a sense of both importance and intimacy, as the street is bustling yet personal.
Things to do: Visit the Cathedral of Gubbio, explore nearby museums, and enjoy street performances in the square.
Via Fontana
Via Fontana is quieter than the main streets but full of surprises. You’ll find small fountains, arches, and cobbled pathways that feel like stepping into a medieval painting. The street is ideal for leisurely wandering, photography, and soaking in Gubbio’s authentic charm.
Things to do: Discover hidden fountains, enjoy a quiet moment on a bench, and explore nearby artisan shops.
Via della Rosa
This street is romantic in every sense, with narrow lanes, stone archways, and flowering window boxes. It’s perfect for those who love wandering slowly and noticing the details that make Gubbio unique.
Things to do: Take photographs of the flower-adorned houses, enjoy an espresso in a small café, and admire the stone craftsmanship of the buildings.
Via dei Costanti
The final street on this list captures the essence of medieval Gubbio: historic, charming, and lively. Here, you can feel the pulse of the town, where history meets modern life seamlessly.
Things to do: Walk to nearby piazzas, enjoy the local cuisine at trattorias, and watch the town’s daily life unfold.
Exploring Gubbio’s medieval streets is more than sightseeing—it’s an experience that immerses you in history, culture, and daily life. From cobblestones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps to hidden corners waiting to be discovered, each street invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Whether you’re wandering along Via dei Consoli or exploring the quiet charm of Via Fontana, Gubbio’s streets leave a lasting impression. The town encourages curiosity, invites exploration, and, most importantly, reminds you that history isn’t just in museums—it’s alive on the streets, waiting for you to walk through it.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.