Urbino is a small and magnificent hilltop Renaissance town in the Marche region.
Perfect for a day trip
Just half an hour inland from the seaside resort of Pesaro, and one of the most important centres of the Italian Renaissance, Urbino has preserved intact its ancient charm and architectural heritage. It can easily be visited in one day, and the best itinerary starts in the historical centre at the Porta Valbona gate in the old 16th-century defensive walls, then moving on to the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral.
Priceless works of art in the Marche National Gallery
The Ducal Palace is one of the most magnificent examples of the Italian Renaissance and is also home to the Marche National Gallery. Building on it started in 1444 on a design by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, who wanted his palace to surpass all other princely residences in Italy, thus making Urbino the prince's Ideal City. Its splendid gallery has one of the most important art collections from the Renaissance period, including many priceless paintings by Raphael, Piero della Francesca and Titian.
Raphael was born and worked in Urbino
The famous painter Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483 and spent his childhood training in his father, Giovanni Santi's, workshop which is now located on the ground floor of the Casa Raffaello house. With works related to Raphael's life and times, on the first floor of this muesum, there are copies of his paintings and various tributes by other artists. In the bedroom there is a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child, considered to be a youthful work done with his father, and in the small courtyard a well and a wash basin where the great painter, like his father before him, ground the colours for his masterpieces.
For information: www.comune.urbino.pu.it
