The 1,024-year-old medieval town with terrifying cable car attraction & it’s just three hours from the UK
THERE’S a medieval town in central Italy that’s home to a terrifying cable car – and Brit holidaymakers can get there for just £12.
The small Italian town of Gubbio is over 1,000 years old, with one of the Roman Empire’s largest amphitheatres.
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Despite the wide variety of attractions, very few Brit holidaymakers have heard of Gubbio.
Fortunately, the Italian town hasn’t gone unnoticed by travel experts, with Ed Maughan, the Managing Director of GroupAccommodation.com, saying: “Gubbio is a historic marvel that is brimming with impressive ancient sites.”
One of those is the Roman Theatre, which was constructed in 20BC during the reign of the Emperor Augustus.
Despite dating back more than 1,000 years, several fragments of the Roman theatre remain to this day, including brickwork from the exterior walls and a section of seats.
In its heyday, it is thought that the theatre could hold up to 6,000 spectators, making it one of the largest Roman amphitheatres of its time.
Entry to the ancient theatre costs €3 (£2.57) per person, with advanced booking required.
Other historical attractions include Piazza Grande, a large square in the heart of Gubbio.
There’s also Basilica of Saint Ubaldo – an old church perched upon a hilltop with stunning views overlooking the Umbrian countryside.
Other attractions include the town’s cathedral and a local museum.
Another attraction in Gubio is the Funivia Colle Eletto – the terrifying cable car that runs from Gubbio to Monte Ingino.
In order to board, passengers will need to climb onto the moving car as it swings past.
The journey last six minutes and take passengers to Monte Ingino, where they’ll find the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo.
Visitors can either return back to Gubbio on the cable car or walk back to the town.
Holidaymakers who opt to go on the cable car will need to stand, with one visitor saying on TripAdvisor: “they’re completely open”.
Another person added: “This was great! Perfectly safe but felt so fun and precarious.”
While someone else wrote: “It is not difficult to climb aboard the lift. It goes slow and the view from the top is awesome.
“There is a bar and a restaurant on the side with a nice view as well, perfect for a lunch.”
Return tickets on the cable car cost €6 (£5.14).
Gubbio is a 44-minute drive from Perugia, where direct flights operate to and from the UK.
Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted to Perugia, with return fares costing £24 per person.
Flights between London and Perugia take two hours and 20 minutes.
Other Italian towns
There are plenty of other Italian towns that have flown under the radar too, including Bari, which is the capital of Puglia.
Set in southern Italy, Bari remains largely untouched by Brit holidaymakers, who often choose to spend their Italian summers in places like Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast.
Because of its coastal location and medieval buildings, the Pugliese capital has been hailed as the Jewel of the Adriatic.
To delve into the city’s history, head to Bari Vecchia – the city’s historical centre.
Bari Vecchia is a maze of narrow alleyways, open piazzas, and cobbled side streets.
Among the 40 churches in Bari Vecchia, holidaymakers should make a beeline for Basilica di San Nicola.
Other lesser-known destinations in Italy include the Tremiti Islands, a group of five islands that are tucked away on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
San Domino and San Nicola are the largest of the two islands, while Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa are the three smallest.
Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance.
- Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
While the Tremiti Islands may not be as famous as other Italian islands like Capri and Sicily, they’ve become a hit with holidaymakers in recent years.
And this Italian town has been dubbed “medieval Manhattan” thanks to its ancient brick skyscrapers.
