Traces of prehistoric settlements have been found in Gubbio. Eugubine tablets from 3rd to 1st century B.C, prior to Romans, were found here. Nestled along the mountain, this town also was the first travel destination of St. Francis in 1206 after he renounced all earthly possessions.

As an ordinary citizen who was captured by the Perugia in the war of 1205 and was a prisoner for a year, Francis came out from his captivity a transformed man. He had developed compassion!

He made this 52 km journey from Assisi to Gubbio throughout his life many times on his way to La Verna.

The night before we got to Gubbio, we stayed at a B&B 12 km from Gubbio.

We began the walk to Gubbio early so we could enjoy this historic city.

We climbed down from the mountain into the beautiful valley below and walked along the valley floor until we could see the old city.

It is rare to see ancient cities like these now a days, and we are enjoying our rest day here and taking in the sights and sounds (especially the bells that chime every 15 minuets, including throughout the night).

Tomorrow we began our four-day journey to Assisi in the footsteps of St. Francis. We will walk along the same path that St. Francis took when he walked the other direction, from Assisi to Gubbio.

Here is a song composed by Assisi called “Canticle of the Sun”.

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor,

and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no man is worthy to mention Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,

especially through my lord Brother Sun,

who brings the day; and you give light through him.

And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!

Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon

and the stars, in heaven you formed them

clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene,

and every kind of weather through which

You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom you light the night and he is beautiful

and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains us and governs us and who produces

varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace

for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord,

through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no living man can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will

find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord,

and give Him thanks

and serve Him with great humility