Urbino: Renaissance court in the hills of the Marche
Urbino occupies two hills of the Marche and preserves a historic center that is a UNESCO heritage site. The Doge's Palace dominates a city of bricks, ramps and steep streets. Under Federico da Montefeltro the court became an important artistic and humanistic centre.
History and identity
The Palazzo Ducale was enlarged in the fifteenth century by architects including Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It houses the National Gallery of the Marche. Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483; his birthplace is a museum distinct from the palace.
What to see
Piazza della Repubblica connects the cathedral, the palace and the university streets. The studios, small towers and ducal collections require a careful visit. The Albornoz fortress offers a view of the urban skyline, while the oratories preserve less crowded pictorial cycles.
Understand the place
The slopes and floors make the route tiring. Buses and car parks serve the low accesses, often with lifts. Check the palace's open rooms and speaker times. The rural views do not eliminate the need to plan any excursions.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.