The Gubbio cable car was a shock to me this morning. I knew our group was planning to take a ride from the ancient town of Gubbio up Monte Ingino to the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo. I’d imagined a sort of gondola or ski lift style conveyance. Jaws hit the deck when we saw the contraption that was waiting for us. We survived, and this Gubbio Cable Car ride was certainly a memorable part of our trip to Umbria and Gubbio.
The Gubbio Cable Car or Funivia, is a cross between a bucket and a bird cage, it’s a stand up ride with railings to chest level. I’m scared of heights, but this thing was like nothing I’ve ever seen before, I had to have a try or forever kick myself and face the ridicule of my kids.
There was just room in the bucket for the kids and I, four would have been impossible within the short loading time. This thing, like regular ski lifts, doesn’t stop. The lift attendant spaced us out along the boarding area so that each of us could jump on board in turn.
Why Take the Gubbio Cable Car or Funivia
Other than being a test of nerve, the Gubbio cable car does serve a purpose. The Basilica at the top of the mountain is stunning and the views down over Gubbio town are incredible. Riding over olive trees, scrubby mountain growth and the odd goat is pretty cool too.
World Travel Family are visiting Umbria as guests of Our Whole Village. For more information on their trips and philosophy try this post or check out Our Whole Village website. There’s plenty there for travellers of all ages, armchair and actual.
If you enjoyed seeing The Gubbio Cable Car and want to read more about our Italy highlights you can try these posts:
Truffle hunting. Finding kitchen diamonds in Umbria.
Making Pasta, a Cooking Class and a Sensational Lunch.
Our Amazing Family Friendly Villa in Umbria
What we found in the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo above Gubbio, was, like the ride, surprising. I’m saving that for another post.
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Hey again!
In between hosting international friends and getting my Master’s degree (yes!!), I do take time to read you! Did you hear about St Frances and the wolf of Gubbio? It’s one of my all time favourites…
We learnt loads about St Francis in Assisi Talitha, we had a brilliant guide. I’m looking for a movie about him, I’m sure such a thing must exist.
You got it? Great stuff!
Honestly, I don’t think I would have gone if you all didn’t muster up the nerve before me! So glad I did it, though!
Erin, you’re doing so well with little Nico strapped to your chest!
OMGawd! Good on you for fighting through your fear of heights. What a contraption but I guess at the end of the day, it’s just a different shape to a chair lift. That’s what I would tell myself anyway. I used to be a dare devil before having a child, now I would probably faint. lol
It was OK actually Kym, nowhere near as bad as that Sky Wheel in Canada! That was terrifying.
Thanks for sharing this! We plan to go to Gubbio on our trip in a few weeks and I’m trying to describe it to the family without much success. I’ll be sure to share your post with them!
You won’t be disappointed, Gubbio is stunning, lots more posts to come!