Urbino and the Renaissance period
Today I am going to write a post about Urbino, a nice little Renaissance hills city in the region of Le Marche and a small jewel and of great importance in the artistic history of Italy. Duke Federico da Montefeltro (1422-1482), military leader, ruler and humanist patron of the arts, built a palace and maintained a famed court here; one of the most important in Renaissance Italy.
Exploring Urbino: A Journey from Casa Melograno
I went to Urbino before Christmas, after visiting the beautiful country house of Casa Melograno, in Monfelcino. The Casa Melograno is a 16th century fram granary house in the middle of the beautiful hills of Montefelcino, in the Marche region. The house has been restored to the highest standard and offers a stunning view of the Italian countryside. Fano is only half an hour drive with its nice beach and interesting nightlife. The house is amazing and the owner, Michelle Tredicucci, made our stay fabulous. Every details is studied to make your stay confortable, from the fully equipped kitchen to the nice bedrooms with mosquito net. The swimming pool is perfect for a relaxing summer day and the best place where you can watch the sunset from.
Getting to Urbino: A Convenient Hub in Le Marche
Urbino is 35 minutes from Casa Melograno, 45 minutes from Fano, 45 minutes from Pesaro and 1 hour from the closest airport, Ancona (Aeroporto delle Marche) where you can fly from London Stansted (Ryanair) and London Gatwick (Easyjet). Click here for flights to Italy.
I think that the best thing to do if you want to visit this part of Italy is to rent a car at the airport. If you would not like to do so, by public transport, you need a bus to Ancona station, then a train to Pesaro, followed by a bus to Urbino.
The Ducal Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Palazzo Ducale – Ducal Palace – is the main tourist attraction of this city and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. You can buy a ticket for the Palazzo Ducale and the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche – National Gallery of the Marche – for 8 euro or a combined ticket for this and other Urbino’s museums (palazzoducaleurbino.it). Just remember that 8 euro is for the adult full ticket, citizenship between 18 and 25 years of age pay 2 euro while over 65 and under 18 can visit the Palazzo free of charge.
The most famous façade of the Palace is characterized by two towers with 6 small windows each on the sides and a 3-storey volume with arched balconies, attributed to Laurana.
The courtyard of the palazzo is very beautiful, elegant and shows such a taste of grandeur. Federico wanted to be remembered for this building so inside, his name appears everywhere on the fireplaces, walls and window frames…FEDERICUS URBINI DUX…..
The Studiolo (private study), of the Duke is a small secret space within his apartment is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art best preserved, practically intact, entirely frescoed and inlaid by Flemish artists.
The National Gallery of the Marche and the House of Raffaello
The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche (National Gallery of the Marche), housed in the palace, is one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world. It includes important works by artists such as Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) Van Wassenhove, Melozzo da Forli’, Piero della Francesca with his famous Flagellation, Paolo Uccelloand other 15th century artists.
Raffaello (known in Italy as Raffaello Sanzio) was born in Urbino and his birth house in now a little museum – Casa Natale di Raffaello-. Casa Natale di Raffaello is in Raffaello Street, number 57. The museum, which displays copies of many of his celebrated masterpieces, takes a touching look at Raphael’s family life. The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 12.30pm and from 3.00pm to 6.30pm except Saturday when the time changes to 10.00 to 12.30pm and 3.00 to 5.30pm.
Urbino: A Vibrant University Town
However, we have not to forget that Urbino is also a University town full of life and young people. The university was founded as an academic institution in 1506, although it was not fully recognised as a University until 1671. Urbino is a medium-sized university offering students and scholars a wide range of courses and research opportunities.
The departments are mainly housed in buildings of outstanding architectural interest and, as Urbino is a small city, students have the chance to live in a place that is on a human scale. In fact, everything is within walking distance and there are numerous opportunities for meeting local people, teachers and students. It is a not an expensive place and it is full of bars and small restaurants where you can enjoy a drink (aperitivo) and try the real Italian cuisine.
Plan Your Visit to Urbino
If you would like to stay in one of the hotels in Urbino or organise a tour of the beautiful cities of the Marche region follow this link!!!!
Just remember that much of Urbino is pedestrianised. If you are driving, you will probably have to leave your car outside the gates and walk into town. Hotels should be able to arrange help with luggage, but check before arrival.
For more information, go to turismo.pesarourbino.it
