Urbino, the birthplace of Raphael, is located in the Marche region and is a true gem of the Renaissance, with its winding alleys and impressive palaces. The well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dominated by the Palazzo Ducale. Today, it houses the renowned Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, where works by artists like Raphael can be admired. A charming highlight is the Birthplace of Raphael, now a museum offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of the famous painter.
With a population of around 14,000, Urbino retains a youthful charm, largely thanks to its active university. In the surrounding area, you can hike through the hills of the Parco della Resistenza and take in the breathtaking views. Urbino is also famous for its culinary specialties, such as 'Casciotta d'Urbino', a local cheese that’s a must-try.
Top Highlights of Urbino
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Ducal Palace
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
In the heart of the historic old town of Urbino stands the Palazzo Ducale, one of the most significant buildings of the Italian Renaissance and now home to the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Originally a simple residence, it was transformed into a magnificent palace starting in 1444 under Federico da Montefeltro, embodying his vision of an ideal princely residence.
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Urbino Historic Centre
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
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National Gallery of the Marche
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
In the magnificent Palazzo Ducale of Urbino, you will find one of the most significant art collections of the Italian Renaissance. The Galleria nazionale delle Marche, founded in 1912, houses masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Raphael, as well as an impressive collection of paintings from the 14th to the 17th century.
Casa Raffaello
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
In this simple city palace from the 14th century, one of the most important painters of the Renaissance was born in 1483: Raphael.
Parco della Resistenza
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
Fortezza Albornoz
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
Urbino Cathedral
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
The Duomo di Urbino, the main cathedral of the eponymous archdiocese, stands today as an impressive church building in neoclassical style, featuring a distinctive facade made of Furlo stone. The history of the cathedral dates back to 1021, with the current structure initiated under Duke Federico III da Montefeltro in the 1480s and completed in the early 17th century with the finishing of the majestic dome.
Studiolo di Federico da Montefeltro
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
In the Ducal Palace of Urbino, you will find the Studiolo, the best-preserved original room of the palace - an intimate retreat that Duke Federico da Montefeltro had created as a private study between 1473 and 1476.
Oratory of St John the Baptist
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
Under the Albornoz Fortress in Urbino, you will find one of the city's most significant buildings: the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista from the late 14th century. Originally built as a hospital, this structure impresses mainly with its completely preserved fresco cycle, completed by the Salimbeni brothers in 1416.
Defensive walls in Urbino
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
The impressive city walls of Urbino reflect over 2000 years of fortification history, starting with the first Roman wall in the 3rd century BC. Over the centuries, the defense system expanded in four concentric rings, with the best-preserved outer ring built under Duke Guidobaldo da Montefeltro in the early 16th century.
