Description of the attraction
The Basilica of Sant Ubaldo stands at the top of a steep hill at an altitude of 827 meters above sea level at the very end of the street of the same name, which runs from a small square opposite the Cathedral of Gubbio up the slopes of Monte Ingino. You can get here on foot from the Porta Metauro gate or by the funicular that runs from Porta Romana.
In 1194, Bishop Ubaldo, who later became the patron saint of the city, was buried in the old parish church of Pieve di San Gervasio. And between 1514 and 1525, by order of Countess Elizabeth and Eleonora della Rovere, the current five-nave basilica was built. At the same time, it was dedicated to Saint Ubaldo, whose incorruptible body rests on the main altar in a richly decorated bronze tomb, covered with gold. At the same time, the interior of the church is practically devoid of decorations, with the exception of the main entrance door. Even the frescoes in the cloister have not survived to this day.
Another building in Gubbio associated with the name of Saint Ubaldo is a small well-preserved cottage from the 13-14th century. Its façade was probably redesigned as several public buildings were built in front of it. Traces of wall paintings have been preserved inside. In the Middle Ages, this house belonged to the Accoromboni family. Despite the fact that there is no reliable evidence that Saint Ubaldo could have lived in this house, rumor persists in linking this building with his name.
For most of the year, in the right side aisle of the Basilica of Sant Ubaldo, the so-called Cheri are kept, placed on the coat of arms of Umbria and are the main "heroes" of the colorful festival - during this festival, young people run from Piazza della Signoria up the mountain, carrying Cheri on their shoulders. The latter are three octagonal prism-shaped devices carved out of wood, mounted on a platform with long poles. At the top of each prism is a statue of one of the saints - Ubaldo, patron saint of masons, George, patron saint of merchants and artisans, and Anthony, patron of farmers. Every resident of Gubbio participates in the Corsa dei Ceri festival, which, among other things, attracts thousands of tourists to the city from all over Italy and from abroad. In order to carry Chery along the narrow and winding medieval streets, remarkable physical strength and dexterity are required, because these devices weigh several hundred kg and so strive to tip over.
