Urbino: the Renaissance jewel of the Marche region

Located among the rolling hills of the northern Marche hinterland, Urbino is one of Italy’s most fascinating and significant cities of art. Since 1998, it has been officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, testifying to its extraordinary historical, artistic and cultural value.

A true Renaissance gem, it has preserved its cultured and refined soul, made up of historic buildings and stone-paved alleys, enlivened by a vibrant cultural life thanks to the presence of one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

Much of Urbino’s charm derives from the legacy left by Federico da Montefeltro, an enlightened nobleman and patron of the arts who, in the 15th century, transformed the city into a true cultural centre of European significance. It is astonishing to imagine how, under his rule, architects, artists and thinkers were able to create an ideal urban model in which art and knowledge merged in perfect harmony, giving life to a city that still enchants and fascinates visitors from all over the world today. The most obvious symbol of this enlightened vision is the majestic Ducal Palace, one of the most significant works of the Italian Renaissance, with its twin towers, elegant courtyards and sumptuous frescoed rooms.

Today, the palace houses the National Gallery of the Marche, where you can admire masterpieces by extraordinary artists such as Piero della Francesca, Titian, many other masters of the Renaissance and, of course, perhaps the most famous and celebrated of all: Raphael Sanzio, who was born in Urbino in 1483. Visiting the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of all time, now transformed into a museum that attracts enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world, is a truly unique experience: it means reliving the first steps and discovering the inspirations of an artist who has left an indelible mark on the history of world art. The epitaph on his tomb in the Pantheon in Rome, written by Pietro Bembo, reads: ‘Here lies Raphael, whom Nature feared to surpass while he lived, and when he died, feared to die herself‘.

Strolling through the medieval streets of the city, you can breathe in an atmosphere that combines the past with the present, among places that have seen the birth of ideas of beauty and thoughts that are still relevant today. But in addition to its artistic treasures, Urbino also offers a special atmosphere, made up of silence and liveliness, quiet and movement, thanks above all to its ancient university and the students who continue to enliven the city. Its uphill streets, spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding countryside, artisan shops, historic cafés and hidden corners make every walk an unforgettable experience, engaging all the senses. Also not to be missed are the Cathedral, the Albornoz Fortress with its magnificent viewpoint and the Church of San Bernardino, which houses the remains of Federico da Montefeltro, a witness to a history that is still alive in our present.