Gualdo Tadino
- INFORMATION
- » Gualdo Tadino Local Council
tel. +39 075 9150254
sitoweb - » Tourist Office
tel. +39 075 9220693
info@iat.gubbio.pg.it - » Pro Tadino
tel. +39 075 912172- » Emigration Museum
tel. +39 075 9142445 - » Emigration Museum
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Dominated by the magnificent Flea Fortress which was re-built and expanded by Frederick the 2nd in 1242, Gualdo Tadino sits at the foot of mount Serrasanta facing the old Roman road, the Flaminia way. The town still celebrates its old traditions, and the way of life of its inhabitants is much as it was in times gone by. It is famous for its splendid lustre ceramics. Gualdo Tadino is the only place in Italy where it is still possible to find ceramics that are given a lustre finish in a third firing using the smoke from burnt juniper. For this, old kilns called "muffole" are used, which tourists can visit and admire in the various ceramist's workshops. Using this very old technique, marvellous differently shaped ceramics are made, all decorated with golden and ruby reflections with a unique shine. Ancient formulas and secrets of the craft have been passed down from generation to generation since before the 16th century so that this refined technique can still be used today. On the last weekend of September the town celebrates its traditional games, the "Giochi de le Porte", a boisterous and spectacular medieval contest, where the four town quarters compete for a winning banner portraying St. Michael the Archangel. The whole town enthusiastically takes part in the preparations for this festival, recreating the colours and atmosphere of its bygone splendour. The historical pageant is particularly impressive, with its different characters in medieval dress, and in the taverns around the town during the days of the festival, tourists can savour typical local dishes.
The Good Friday procession is both fascinating and intense. In this, one of the town's oldest traditions, every year the Passion of Christ is re-enacted. In a very solemn and religious atmosphere a procession showing the various stages of the Passion winds its way around the old town centre. The carefully made costumes and the attention to detail, along with the intense religious atmosphere make this holy event one of the most important moments in the year for the people of the town.
Gualdo Tadino is surrounded by luxurious countryside, with splendid woods and fields, and vast expanses of lush greenery which reach up the mountainside behind the town and into the Gualdo valley and plain.
Thanks to its medicinal and diuretic characteristics, the local Rocchetta mineral water has an excellent reputation. The spring itself is in a very beautiful part of the countryside, where you can relax, be reinvigorated by the waters, and follow the well kept footpaths through woods and fields at the foot of Mount Serrasanta. The countryside in this area is particularly suitable for hiking, walking and cycling.
Gualdo Tadino also offers a wealth of culture. In the main square called "Martiri della Libertà" it is possible to visit the cathedral of San Benedetto and the church of San Francesco. Next to the square in the Palazzo del Podestà there is the Emigration Museum, which carefully documents and reconstructs the life of Umbrian emigrants throughout the world. The town museum is in the Flea fortress, and holds examples of art from Gualdo and elsewhere, particularly ceramics. Throughout the hills and mountains it is possible to visit numerous small medieval churches and convents. Close to the town there are also pre-Roman and Roman archaeological sites that are open to visitors.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the north: A1 Motorway, Valdichiana exit. E45 direction Perugia.
From the south: A1 Motorway, Orte exit. S.S. 3 Flaminia to Gualdo Tadino.
A14 Adriatica Motorway, Falconara Marittima exit, S.S. della Val d’Esino to Fabriano and then S.S.3 Flaminia.
S.S. E45 Cesena-Orte: that crosses Umbria vertically. Take S.S. 75 Centrale Umbra to Foligno and then S.S.3 to Gualdo Tadino.
