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toonsarah

Tags - Italy, Meet the locals

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Gubbio, Marche, Italy

How long were you there for?6 days

What was the single highlight of your trip?The spectacular Pallio della Balestra - a crossbow context that has been taking place here for over 500 years. Locals wear Medieval costume, there is a breathtaking display of traditional flag-throwing and it is totally untouristy - done through their own commitment to keeping the tradition alive

Any lowlights/cautionary tales?No lowlights - but remember that as this is a hilly region you can't count on very hot weather - take a jacket for evenings. And it's not the easiest place to reach - but that could be a highlight!

Any absolutely MUST see sights/activities?Try to attend the Pallio or one or the other local festivals in order to really appreciate the special character of Gubbio. Make sure you take the bizarre funivia up to the Basilica of Sant' Ubaldo. The stunning Piazza Grande is impossible to miss, but be sure to go in the Palazzo dei Consoli there

Any absolutely DON'T see sights/activities?No, none - it's all good!

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?Try to visit during May which is the month of festivals in Gubbio. The town is decked out with colourful flags denoting each household's alligiance to one of the three saints commemorated each year in the Festa dei Ceri - a photographer's dream!

Any other comments?Wonderful views from each of the many levels of its hillside location; bells ringing the quarter hours; cobbled streets and medieval houses barely untouched by the centuries; the food, the people, the scents, sights and sounds all make Gubbio seem a little set apart from the world - very special

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