Misty morning and warm in the sunshine.
We had 3 options:
1. Walk the route as set (26 kms on Moderate track -8 hours)
2.Walk the route as set until Monteleto (19km) then walk a few kms to Mocaiana and catch the bus to Gubbio
3.Or as recommended by our hotel host, walk the Strada Provinciale 205 (a minor road) from our hotel to Mocaiana (16kms) and catch the 2.32pm bus to Gubbio
Of course , no. 3 suits our needs and Mark’s knees most!
Our exceptional host at Locanda del Borgo. He always called us by name, suggested that Mark catch a bus - he would drive him with my pack as he thought I should walk lighter. We explained we liked his modified route suggestion and Mark had decided to walk too.
Off at 8.45am
The first section, actually on the Via di Francesco, took us off the road and up a gravel track
Views back to Pietralunga
Today we stayed on the Strada Provinciale 205
The Via di Francesco veered off on a mountain track
Beware of deer - we actually saw a fawn crossing the road - too fast for our cameras
Gorgeous views
Only minor traffic on this road
We arrived in Mocaiana just after midday
Lunch in a small cafe as we waited for the bus. We had bought some supplies from the well-stocked supermarket in Pietralunga for snacks and supplement our lunch. I also replaced my sock liners with (Italian) thin running socks and miracles of miracles not a twinge today - beautifully cushioned.
First views of Gubbio. A second century amphitheater, one of the largest, and testifies to the importance of the city in Roman times.
Gubbio is a medieval town and has been preserved despite all the wars and earthquakes which have affected other towns
Many of the buildings in the old town date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is especially steep but there are a series of pedestrian escalators and elevators allow easier access from the lower town. Mark appreciated these today.
Our hotel just near the bus station and entry to the Old Town.
Perfect for our needs
We began to wander and were amazed at the extent of the town
Beautiful ceramics
The main square set high above the town, Piazza Grande
Alleyways and through sections to fascinating public buildings
The Duomo - 13th century - simple and divine
In the forests near here Francis tamed a wolf and set his ministry in a new, miraculous, direction
So many connecting alleyways
We took the cable to the top of the mountain
Great views of the town and valley. One of the cages had a couple and their dog!
In the chapel on top of the mountain is the remains of St Urbano. The founding saint of Gubbio.
At the entry to the town is the Church of San Francesco. When St Francis left his home and rejected his privileged life, he was taken in by Giacomo Spadalunga, which is now the site of this church.
A frescoed chapel
A statue outside the church
Looking back at all we’d experienced today. The church of St Urbano at the top, the Cathedral, the amazing Piazza Grande, and all the connecting alleyways. There were many churches, museums and public buildings we didn’t have time to investigate...all in this concentrated space.
Drinks and surprise treats to end the day
Dinner at The Ristorante at our hotel. Many locals enjoying the friendly atmosphere.
M&M
1 comment:
Wow! What a fabulous day. Great town & more wonderful scenery on the way.....JulieJ
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