While Florence is known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, this small hill town in the Marche region (le Marche in Italian) is where some of the greatest minds of the time lived and created. Welcome to Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captured my love for Italy and its history long before I even got here.
While most people are familiar with the grand cities of the Italian Renaissance, like Florence and Venice, Urbino flies under tourists’ radar. Renowned as the birthplace of the painter Raphael, Urbino was one of the era’s most illustrious courts, where intellectuals, artists, and visionaries gathered under the patronage of Federico da Montefeltro. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Federico da Montefeltro and Urbino’s rise during the Renaissance
Urbino owes much of its Renaissance grandeur to the visionary leadership of Federico da Montefeltro. Born as the illegitimate son of the ruling lord, Federico rose to power under dramatic circumstances, becoming duke in 1444 at only 22. While his military prowess as a mercenary soldier made him wealthy, it was his insatiable curiosity and intellect that transformed Urbino into a centre of culture and innovation.
Federico ruled for 38 years and became the epitome of the Renaissance Man ideal. A man with many talents who was skilled in music, mathematics, astronomy and the arts. He was an avid collector of books, manuscripts and artworks, making Urbino’s library one of the largest in Europe, surpassing the Vatican’s at the time. His court became a haven for the brightest minds of the era, including scholars, poets and painters like Piero della Francesca and Bramante.
Federico’s court inspired Baldassare Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier (Il cortegiano). This influential text outlined the ideals of courtly life and introduced the concept of the Renaissance Man to the world. Urbino’s intellectual and artistic brilliance under Federico’s rule set a standard for other Renaissance courts across Europe.
What to see in Urbino
Dominating the Urbino’s skyline is Urbino’s main attraction – Federico’s Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Blending style with practicality, it was built during the 15th century. Designed by Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the palace was revolutionary for its time. Unlike the military fortresses of the medieval era, it was built for comfort, with spacious loggias, large windows and elegant halls.
Inside the palace you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings, numerous frescoes, sculptures, tapestries,and drawings in over 80 rooms. Don’t miss the Studiolo, a study adorned with exquisite intarsia woodwork that creates the illusion of bookshelves filled with objects symbolizing knowledge and learning.
Today, the palace is home to the National Gallery of the Marche, featuring Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Piero della Francesca, Titian and Raphael. The gallery also features a collection of artworks and numerous archeological remains and objects from the Iron Age and the Roman Empire.
Beyond the palace, Urbino’s winding streets lead to architectural gems like the Oratory of St. John, famous for its vivid frescoes by the Salimbeni brothers. The city walls and urban layout remain a testament to Renaissance urban planning, designed to reflect order, harmony and beauty.
The Museo Diocesano Albani, named after the noble Albani family, houses an exquisite collection of ecclesiastical artifacts. Here, you will find intricately crafted glassware, ceramics and religious items. The museum’s highlight is the collection of sacred art, including rare pieces from local churches that from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Standing proudly in the heart of the historic centre is the Urbino Cathedral (Duomo di Urbino). Commissioned by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, the original church was rebuilt in 1604, blending Renaissance and Neoclassical architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, intricate stuccoes and religious works of Federico Barocci, one of Urbino’s most prominent painters of the late Renaissance.
Take a break from exploring and head to the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico). Established in 1806, the garden is maintained by the University of Urbino and it’s a beautiful, relaxing spot where you can enjoy natural beauty.
Raphael, Ubino’s famous son
The famous painter Raphael Sanzio, later known simply as Raphael, was born in Urbino in 1483. He grew up surrounded by art and humanist ideals that would shape his career. His father, Giovanni Santi, was a court painter, and his influence and connections exposed young Raphael to the artistic world.
Raphael’s genius lies in combining grace, harmony and technical precision. You can see the intellectual energy of the Renaissance in his “The School of Athens,” where he depicts ancient philosophers engaged in discussion. His portraits, such as the “Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione,” show exceptional sensitivity and mastery of composition.
Don’t miss a chance to visit Casa Raffaello. The home where he was born has been turned into a museum. It contains early sketches attributed to Raphael, offering a glimpse into the environment that nurtured one of the Renaissance’s greatest painters.
Intelectual and learning legacy
Today, Urbino is also a university town, with a lively atmosphere. Established in 1506 as an academic institution, the university was fully recognized as such in 1671. During the 1960s and 1970s, the university bought up numerous decrepit buildings in town, transforming them into faculty and department buildings. In a way, this university town is a perfect progression from the Renaissance town it once was.
Stroll through Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s central square, where students and locals gather, or explore artisan shops selling handmade ceramics and local delicacies. Don’t miss trying crescia, a type of flatbread often served with cured meats and cheeses—a perfect snack as you wander through the historic centre.
Practical travel tips
You probably won’t need a whole day in Urbino. It’s a small town best reached by car or bus from larger towns like Pesaro or Fano. You can use this guide to help you plan your visit, but to truly experience the magic of a time gone by, consider staying here overnight.
How to get there: While Urbino lacks a train station, it’s easily accessible by car or bus. The nearest major cities are Pesaro (about 45 minutes by car) and Bologna (2 hours).
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds.
Where to stay: For an authentic experience, consider staying in a boutique hotel or agriturismo in the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
Today, Urbino might not be as well-known as it was during the time of Federico da Montefeltro. It’s a small town on a hill with stunning landscapes all around it. The Ducal Palace and the National Gallery are still as impressive as they must have been to visitors in those days, but the town is relatively unknown.
If you’re a culture and history lover like me, you’ll appreciate the critical role Urbino once played. As you wander through the historic centre, you’ll realize that you’re walking on the same streets as Raphael and other greats once did. You might imagine the thinkers and artists that gathered in the palazzo and surrounding buildings. It might even give you a better appreciation of the man who made this place one of the greatest towns of the 15th century.
Should you visit Urbino? Absolutely. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the Renaissance and the people who lived and created art that contributed to its spread. The views are also magnificent, so make sure you don’t forget to bring a camera.
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