Saint Ubaldo

Description of Saint Ubaldo Basilica

The Basilica of Saint Ubaldo stands atop the mountain of the same name, overlooking the city of Gubbio. Adjacent to the basilica, a monastery-convent was established to first house a community of monks and later friars.

The original church, initially transformed into a Renaissance-style structure with three naves, was later expanded to five naves. Around 1695, a decision was made to completely renovate it, and a new design was developed; the side chapels were also reduced in height. The work was completed in 1708. Further restorations took place in 1814 and after World War II.

The object of veneration is the incorrupt body of the saint, placed in a gilded bronze urn. The urn is periodically replaced; the last transfer took place on August 31, 1721. First used between the years 1160 and 1193.

History of Saint Ubaldo Basilica

This is the preeminent place of worship for the people of Gubbio, where the incorrupt body of Bishop Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio, is preserved in a gilded bronze urn. The saint passed away on May 16, 1160.

Around his tomb, the grieving people of Gubbio gathered, keeping vigil throughout the night and the following four days, allowing a multitude of faithful to come and pray over the bier. Pilgrimages multiplied from neighboring dioceses as news spread of miracles occurring through his intercession.

When it was decided to enclose his remains in a sarcophagus and keep them in the cathedral, the despair of the faithful grew, convinced that the miracles would cease. However, they were mistaken, as even from his stone tomb, Saint Ubaldo did not abandon his fellow citizens and continued to intercede for them. The people of Gubbio not only called him a saint but also chose him as their heavenly protector.

On January 16, 1295, Pope Boniface VIII granted an indulgence of one year and 40 days to those who visited the church on the feast day and the following octave, extending it also to pilgrims from other regions, who could benefit for one day a year.

Key Events of Saint Ubaldo Basilica

In his biography written by Giordano, Bishop of Città di Castello, a long series of miracles performed on the faithful who visited his tomb are listed. Many of these pilgrims came from the surrounding areas, indicating that his reputation as a miracle worker spread quickly throughout the region.

Bishop Offredo, confirming the privilege to the Church of Saint Felicissimo in 1184, threatened excommunication in the name of God and the Blessed Ubaldo. Later, at the request of Bishop Bentivoglio, Pope Celestine III on March 5, 1192, confirmed Ubaldo’s honor of the altars (though not yet extended to the Universal Church).

Below the sanctuary of Saint Ubaldo is a fountain, whose origin is tied to a legendary miracle performed by the saint: during the transfer to the new church, the oxen pulling the cart with the sacred body, thirsty, refused to continue toward the mountain peak. Here, near the present-day chapel of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a small spring emerged from the rock, allowing the animals to drink before continuing. For this reason, the fountain is dear to the faithful of Gubbio and is believed to possess special virtues.

Important Dates

May 15

In honor of Saint Ubaldo, the famous “Festival of the Candles” takes place annually in Gubbio. During the festival, the so-called Ceraioli race to carry three candles crowned with statues of three saints: Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony the Abbot. It is one of the oldest Italian folkloric events, having been held annually since 1160.

Devotion

To this day, the people of Gubbio turn to the saint in every difficulty of daily life, but local tradition attributes particular efficacy to him in protecting his fellow citizens from earthquake damage. Saint Ubaldo is also prominently invoked in exorcisms, and many paintings depict him in the act of driving out demons.

Curiosities

A relic consisting of part of the little finger and the pastoral ring is preserved in the Alsatian town of Thann, where Saint Ubaldo is considered the patron saint. He is honored with the Cremasio de 3 sapin, the burning of three pine trees, which according to local tradition were seen burning by the feudal lord the night the bishop’s steward arrived in the town.

via Monte Ingino, 5, 06024 Gubbio PG, Italy