Gubbio

Gubbio (anc. Iguvium or Eugubium), a city of central Italy, on the south-western declivity of the Apennines, 20 miles NNE. of Perugia. It has a 13th-century cathedral, several medieval palaces—the Brancaleoni with a valuable picture-gallery—and remains of an ancient theatre. The celebrated Eugubine Tables (q.v.) are preserved in the town-house. Gubbio was noted for its majolica ware, which was brought to perfection by Giorgio Andreoli in 1517-37, by his delicate use of a beautiful ruby lustre. Two celebrated yellow lustres were also used on Gubbio majolica. A few factories still imitate the medieval fayence. From a town of 30,000 inhabitants, it has dwindled to 5540 since its incorporation in the duchy of Urbino in 1384.