A medieval town in Italy offers visitors an unusual yet exhilarating ride to the summit of a historic mountain - in a life-sized birdcage.
Thrill-seekers headed to Gubbio, a medieval town in the Umbria region, are certainly in for a real treat if their itinerary includes a trip to the top of Mount Ingino.
The Funivia Colle Eletto cable car has been transporting visitors since 1960 from the heart of Gubbio to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, a mountaintop sanctuary dedicated to the town's patron saint.
It allows riders to embark on a 'death-defying' journey in an open-air birdcage, all while soaking in panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside - known as Italy’s green heart - before reaching the sacred site atop Mount Ingino.
At the mountain's summit stands the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, a historic Roman Catholic church that houses the body of Saint Ubaldo, the protector of Gubbio.
For just €7 (around £6) for a round-trip ticket, riders can step inside the cage and be whisked to the top in only six minutes - though for those afraid of heights, it might feel like a lifetime.
Each 'car' is a tiny metal cage, open on all sides, where two passengers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they journey hundreds of meters above rolling hills and forested slopes, as reported by Italia.
There are no seats, no windows, and no sense of enclosure - all of which only adds to the thrill of the ride.
Gubbia, a medieval town in Italy, offers visitors an unusual yet exhilarating ride to the summit of a historic mountain - in a life-sized birdcage
Riders can embark on a 'death-defying' journey in an open-air birdcage, all while soaking in panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside - known as Italy’s green heart - before reaching the sacred site atop Mount Ingino
Each 'car' is a tiny metal cage, open on all sides, where two passengers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they journey hundreds of meters above rolling hills and forested slopes
The moving cages never stop, so attendants assist travelers in hopping aboard as each car glides smoothly past the platform.
While designed for two people, solo riders are also welcome to experience the journey alone.
Once at the top, a short scenic walk leads to the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo, where breathtaking views of the lush landscape below await.
Visitors are encouraged to consider walking back down the mountain paths for a different perspective - or a bit of exercise.
For fans of history, nature, or those who are up for a unique experience, the Gubbio Cable Car is a must-do for any visitor to Umbria - but not everyone is convinced.
In an Instagram video shared by @tourist.in that shows a visitor hopping inside the bird-cage before 'taking flight,' hundreds of viewers in the comments were left divided on whether the view at the end point is worth the thrill.
One person exclaimed, 'Absolutely NOT,' while another mused, 'Just imagine getting hit by a bird passing through.'
A third added: 'Getting on its not the problem, it's if it has to stop and then it starts swaying - that's where my fear of heights kick in.'
The moving cages never stop, so attendants assist travelers in hopping aboard as each car glides smoothly past the platform
While designed for two people, solo riders are also welcome to experience the journey alone
For fans of history, nature, or those who are up for a unique experience, the Gubbio Cable Car is a must-do for any visitor to Umbria - but not everyone is convinced
A fourth wrote: 'Imagine working here and you don't get to close their gate thing fast enough, I'd have a literal panic attack. Heck no.'
Some even compared the scene to that of a horror movie, as one person added: 'I just finished watching Final Destination, so probably not.'
However, others saw the ride as a challenge, as one person wrote: 'Why is this comment section so soft, of course I'd ride that.'
Another expressed their idea to take a more cautious approach, as they added: 'I would if it's gonna be just me and nobody else with me.'
