Gubbio, Tuscany Umbria Walking, Madonna della Cima

Two days ago we did my Madonna della Cima Walk in the beautiful hills behind Gubbio, Umbria.

Gubbio, Umbria.

The walk starts next to the Roman amphitheatre in the plain below Gubbio. In the relative peace of Roman rule, towns could exist on low ground. With the collapse of the empire the town moved up to the less convenient, but safer slopes of Monte Ingino.

Roman Amphitheatre, Gubbio Umbria.

You are soon walking through the medieval streets of Gubbio, there is a great view up the Bottacione Gorge towards the monastery of San Ambrogio. We were going to pass this building on the return leg of the walk.

We stopped for a look at a speciality truffle shop and not wishing to weigh ourselves down, bought small bottles of truffle flavoured oil, a speciality of Tuscany and Umbria. The hills behind Gubbio are perfect habitat for this prized tuber and it’s a big feature of the local cooking.

Truffles in a Speciality Shop in Gubbio, Umbria

Soon we were walking past the Fountain of the Mad, it’s said that if you walk three times around the fountain you become mad, Gubbio is known for the crazy behaviour of it’s inhabitants, so perhaps, you are in fact becoming an honorary citizen of the town.

The Fountain of the Mad, Gubbio, Umbria

We stopped in the Piazza Grande to admire the Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio’s imposing medieval civic building. There is a great view of the rooftops of Gubbio and the surrounding countryside from this beautiful piazza. This huge level space is supported by giant arches, it’s an incredible bit of medieval engineering.

The Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio, Umbria

We had a long walk ahead so without stopping for too long, we continued to the funivia, a kind of cable car ride to the top of Monte Ingino. We only needed one way tickets!

The Funivia Ride, Gubbio, Umbria

At the top we walked to the Basilica of Sant’ Ubaldo, patron saint of Gubbio. Ubaldo’s body is still on display in a glass coffin.

The Body of Saint Ubaldo, Gubbio, Umbria

We set off for the top of Monte Ingino, there is a watch tower at the top with amazing views of Gubbio and the countryside of Umbria, Tuscany and Le Marche.

The View From The Top of Monte Ingino behind Gubbio, Umbria

A narrow path took us across the top of Monte Ingino, the wildflowers at this time of year are incredible. Coming down was a little steep, so we went carefully, but it was worth the it for the views.

More Views From Monte Ingino, Gubbio Umbria

Soon we were walking through scented pine woods, it was a hot day for early May, we were glad of the shade.

Walking Through The Woods Behind Gubbio, Umbria

We emerged from the woods and were treated to incredible views across a beautiful green valley and towards the Appenine peaks.

More Incredible views on the Madonna della Cima Gubbio Walk

I saw an orchid that I have never seen anywhere else.

An Orchid That I Have Never Seen Anywhere Else

We crossed the road between Gubbio and Scheggia at it’s highest point, the shrine of the Madonna della Cima marks the spot. This ridge is the dividing line between the Mediterranean and Adriatic water sheds.

The base of the Madonna della Cima Shrine, Gubbio Umbria

Continuing, there were Chiannina cattle grazing in fields full of orchids and more views of the Appenines.

Appenine View on the Gubbio Walk, Umbria.

Looking back towards Monte Ingino, we could see that we had walked a long way.

View to Monte Ingino, Gubbio Umbria

 

The route turned back towards Gubbio and we were back in shady pine and oak woods.

Back Into The Woods! Madonna della Cima Walk Gubbio, Umbria

Emerging from the woods we walked through more pasture dotted with orchids.

More great views near Gubbio, Umbria

 

We followed a path around the side of Monte Foce, we spotted spider orchids and another variety that I had never seen before.

This Orchid Was New To Me. Madonna della Cima Walk, Gubbio, Umbria

Then we were following a narrow path through cyclamen carpeted woods.

Cyclamen Carpeted Woods Near Gubbio, Umbria

The path emerged high above the Bottacione Gorge, we could see the Gubbio – Scheggia road far below. We could also see the medieval aqueduct above it.

Narrow Path Along the Bottacione Gorge, Gubbio Umbria

After a steep descent we passed the Eremo di San Ambrogio, a monastery perched on the side of Monte Foce.

Roofs in Gubbio Umbria, Taken Near the Eremo di San Ambrogio

Then it was down a series of steps and back into Gubbio for a well deserved drink.

You can find the instructions for this walk at Quattro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site

 

To stay on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border: Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas & Umbria Villas 

 

 

Tags: Guided, Hiking, Holiday, Italy, Self-guided, Tuscany, Umbria, Walking, Walks