Branca: Discover Castle Hills, Mountains and Culture

Branca offers views of both a medieval castle hill and the landscape of the surrounding region. Castello della Branca dates back to the 12th century; Castello di Branca stands on the summit of a hill and overlooks a broad horizon. For planning your trip, this combination opens up several clearly distinguishable areas of interest: historic buildings, mountains, museums, trails and local festivals.

Churches and Local History

The Church of Sant’Andrea is documented as existing in a record from 1295. The former Church of Sant’Andrea eventually fell into disrepair. The Church of Madonna del Granello lies on the slopes of the hill whose summit is occupied by Castello di Branca. In Branca, you will therefore encounter different traces of historical periods: a medieval record, a former place of worship and a religious site on the castle hill.

Landscape and Trails

Monte Niavo, a mountain, and Monte Citerna, also a mountain, are located in the immediate surroundings of Branca. Monte Cielo, a peak, is located in the area around Branca; Monte Cucco is also a mountain. These landscape destinations allow you to organise excursions according to your interest in mountains and peaks.

Museums and Ancient Sites

Palazzo dei Consoli, a museum, is located in the wider regional surroundings of Branca. The Museo della Carta e della Filigrana, also a museum, is likewise located in this wider regional area. The Civic Picture Gallery is another museum there. The Teatro Romano Gubbio, an ancient site, is also located in the area around Branca. For travellers interested in culture, this creates a broad spectrum ranging from museums to an ancient site, which can be combined with local history and the perspective of the landscape.

Festivals with Fixed Dates

The religious festival of Madonna del Granello takes place on the Sunday after Ferragosto; an entertainment programme is held in the preceding days. The Festa della Trebbiatura in Branca is regarded as a development and continuation of the local veneration of Madonna del Granello, which has existed for centuries. Anyone wishing to experience Branca through its festival culture can mark the Sunday after Ferragosto as a notable period and include the preceding days in their plans.

Arrival and Choice of Location

From Perugia, the route to Parco del Monte Cucco follows the SS318 to Branca di Gubbio and then continues along the SS298 Pian d’Assino. Bus route E052 connects Gualdo Tadino, Fossato di Vico, Branca and Gubbio. These two specific transport connections can help you choose a hotel or other accommodation in Branca according to your planned priorities: culture, landscape, trails or the date of a festival. This keeps the choice of location closely linked to the region’s destinations and connections.

Other Places for Your Travel Plans

Civitella Benazzone, Parnacciano, Pian di Marte, Ponte Pattoli, Santa Maria Degli Angeli, Bastardo, Colle Umberto I, Giomici

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.