The Gubbio Cable Car. Riding a Bird Cage. Gubbio Funivia

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.

If you’d like to explore the highlights of Gubbio, including the cable car ride and a visit to the Sant’ Ubaldo Church at the top, you need to book this tour. Most seem to not include the cable car ride.

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 me, 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, The Church of Saint Ubaldo, 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.

Facts About Gubbio and the Cable Car

The Gubbio Cable Car takes visitors to the summit of Mount Ingino. The Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo stands above the medieval town of Gubbio at the foot of the mountain. This church houses the mumified remains of Saint Ubaldo, the town’s patron saint.

Visitors can walk to and from the Basilica, and it’s a very pleasant country walk, or take the Colle Eletto cable car. It was built to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death and opened to the public in 1960. The ride takes just 6 minutes and gives visitors incredible views

The Gubbio cable car operates year-round, weather allowing, and is busy at Christmas time, when an enormous Christmas tree tops the mountain.

There are also Roman ruins to see in Gubbio. The Teatro Romano or Roman Theatre dates back to the 1st century and stands just outside Gubbio, formerly Iguvium.

Saint Ubaldo Festival

Saint Ubaldo Day, Festa dei Ceri is a religious festival held on the 15th of May in Gubbio. The celebration honours Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini, the saint of the town. It is also held in Jessup, Pennsylvania, USA.

The Corsa dei Ceri, a parade or procession, is held on the eve of St Ubaldo Day.

The procession carries statues of the Saints mounted on huge wooden pedestals hoisted by a team of runners dressed in yellow, blue, or black. You can see these pedestals in our post about Saint Ubaldo.

World Travel Family are visiting Umbria as guests of Our Whole Village. For more information on their trips and philosophy try the 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.

Food 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. It’s in the featured posts below.

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