Urbino is the city of the famous Renaissance painter Raphael, and the city of the fabulous Ducal Palace, one of the great symbols of the Italian Renaissance and part of the historical centre declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. During the 15th Century, Urbino was one of the great European cultural capitals and still today is a lively location with one of the oldest and most prestigious Italian universities, meeting point for people from all over the world. Its museums have on display masterpieces by Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Barocci, Paolo Uccello and many others, as well as churches with amazing frescos and paintings. Urbino is the city of many art exhibits and events dedicated to literature, music, and historical pageants. Urbino embodies all the elements of the authentic Italian Culture that every international traveller aims to find.
A walk to the city center and its fascinating narrow streets is an experience yet! Urbino is always intriguing: the Renaissance buildings, the courtyards, the squares, the balconies, the narrow and the typical streets with steps called “piole”, give the visitor the pleasure of a unique experience that no one would want to miss.
The Raphael’s Home, where the great Renaissance painter was born and lived, is a must in a visit to Urbino. In the house there is a fresco attributed to Raphael during his early years, some paintings by his father, Giovanni Santi, antique furniture, and the architectural features of an elegant building of the 15th Century.
The National Gallery of the Marche Region is hosted by the Ducal Palace. Here you will find works of art from the 14th to the 17th Century. The most famous are the Italian Renaissance masterpieces, astonishing works by great artists who were familiar with the life of the Ducal Palace at the time of the Court of Montefeltro. The Ducal Palace is an authentic “treasure-chest”. Just to recall some of the paintings on display we can mention: “The Ideal City”, the “Flagellation” and the “Modonna of Senigallia” by Piero della Francesca, the “Portrait of a Young Woman” (La Muta) and the “St. Cathrine of Alessandria” by Raphael, the “ Miracle of the Desecrated Host” by Paolo Uccello, and the “Last supper” by Tiziano.
Other points of sure interest for any art lover are the “Oratori”, small churches that had an important role in community life. Among these the very significant example is the Oratorio of St. John, that was built during the second half of the 14th Century: inside there the wonderful frescos by Jacopo and Lorenzo Salimbeni dedicated to St. John are perfectly preserved.
Urbino has ancient origins and through the centuries its charm and history have been enriched. Nowadays, the city preserves its ties with the glorious past but also moves toward the future, combining traditions and the art of preparing food: Km0 ingredients, typical dishes, i.e. “crescia sfogliata” the typical Urbino street – food and food tasting surrounded by the landscape and the gentle hills of the Montefeltro are what we are inviting you to discover.
