karensantamonica

We are contemplating staying in/near Gubbio for this year's Palio della Balestra on Sunday, May 29. Would you suggest staying in Gubbio or nearby and taking a taxi into the town for the day of the Palio? Also, does anyone know when the festivities begin and end, particularly whether they begin on Saturday or just on Sunday, and what the general schedule is on Sunday. Since we would have to squeeze it in, we might only be able to stay on Sunday in Gubbio (which I am not sure I want to do. I prefer to avoid one night stays and I am not sure it would be wise to try to check in and park on a festa day. And we've never been to Gubbio, so it's unfamiliar. Having said that, maybe it would be worth it!)

And if anyone has any lodging recommendations in Gubbio or nearby, we'd welcome those, too.

p.s.: We were thinking of going to the Infiorata in Spello on May 29, but when my boyfriend heard about the Palio della Balestra, the Infiorata went off the table.

Jean

Can't help with all of your questions...

This isn't the biggest event in Gubbio. That would be the Corsa dei Ceri on May 15th. You can look at some YouTube videos of the Palio and see that the spectator crowds are fairly thin, so I think this day could be more manageable than you fear although parking would doubtless be difficult as so many people come from Sansepolcro to participate and watch. (Sansepolcro hosts the same competition in September.) It looks like a lot of fun.

karensantamonica

I saw some pictures on the official website and yes, the crowds didn't look as big as the Corsa dei Ceri. That makes me feel a little better about not facing a mob of people! Thanks for pointing it out. It does look fun.

balou

You can do both!
You can see the Infiorata in Spello the night before, when they are preparing the flower carpets, or in the morning before or during the procession. Or go to Cannara to see the same, only less crowded than Spello.
Then you drive to Gubbio in the afternoon, because the main event of the Palio della Balestra starts at 4.00 pm. You can park just outside the town.
I have seen both several times. If you still searching for a place to stay during these days, look for a place in between. For instance Bettona, where I live: B&B Le 4 Stagioni.

quokka

You may want to have a look at this travel page over on Virtualtourist: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/80c21/24a39/ It was written by a friend of mine who is, despite being German and living far away, sort of a honourable member of one of the societies and has participated in the Palio herself.