Umbria: the woods around Gubbio and historic residences

Autumn in Umbria unfolds amidst a profound tranquillity, characterised by hills dotted with vineyards, centuries-old olive groves and beech woods that look as though they have been painted in watercolours. It is a land where time slows down and where the white truffle – traditionally known here as ‘trifola’ – has its roots in a centuries-old history of families, truffle-hunting dogs and knowledge passed down from father to son. In Gubbio, the harvesting season, which runs from late September to 31 December, is a veritable ritual. The town, a splendid example of medieval architecture with its Piazza Grande and Palazzo dei Consoli, is preparing to host the ‘Gubbio Terra di Tartufo’ White Truffle and Agri-Food Products Fair, scheduled for 30–31 October, 1 November and over the weekend of 6–8 November. The event, spread across the historic centre, features markets in the Logge dei Tiratoi and Piazza 40 Martiri, photographic exhibitions and, the highlight of the event, the cooking point: here, visitors can buy fresh truffles and have them cooked on the spot by expert chefs, enjoying an immediate experience that combines the market, the raw ingredients and the final dish. Among the most eagerly awaited events is the traditional weighing of the largest truffle, a competition that produces monumental specimens every year.