Urbino

Perched majestically on two steep hills, the city of Urbino rises from the heart of Le Marche like a living testament to the Italian Renaissance. The walled city – an UNESCO World Heritage site – invites you to step back in time, tracing the footsteps of dukes, artists, and scholars who transformed it into a beacon of culture and intellect.

Raphael

Urbino’s compact yet captivating historic center is a treasure trove of Renaissance wonders, best explored on foot. Your journey will inevitably lead you to the Palazzo Ducale, the magnificent Ducal Palace, which dominates the city’s skyline. This architectural masterpiece, commissioned by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, is a symbol of Renaissance humanism and now houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Here, you can marvel at masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, and Urbino’s most famous son, Raphael.

Explore & experience

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets, and you’ll discover the Duomo di Urbino, rebuilt in neoclassical style after an earthquake but retaining a serene grandeur.

A short walk from the main square, explore the Casa Natale di Raffaello (Raphael’s Birthplace), now a museum offering a glimpse into the early life of the artist. Continue your artistic experience at the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista, a small chapel renowned for its stunning 15th-century Gothic frescoes by the Salimbeni brothers, depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.

Pick Fortezza Albornoz or the Parco della Resistenza as perfect spots for a picnic. Urbino’s vibrant student population, thanks to its historic university, also ensures a lively atmosphere, particularly in the evenings around Piazza della Repubblica.

Local flavors

Urbino’s culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its inland position, influenced by the rich agricultural traditions of Le Marche and its proximity to Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The local cuisine emphasizes hearty, flavorful dishes featuring wild, truffles, and artisanal cheeses.

A must-try local specialty is Crescia Sfogliata, a savory flatbread, similar to a thicker piadina, enriched with lard and traditionally served with Prosciutto di Carpegna DOP (a cured ham) and Casciotta d’Urbino DOP (a sweet, soft cheese made from a blend of sheep and cow’s milk).

Given Urbino’s location in prime truffle country, you’ll find a variety of dishes featuring both white and black truffles, especially during the autumn and winter months. Look for truffle shaved over fresh pasta like tagliatelle al tartufo or infused into local meat dishes. Another delightful pasta dish to seek out is Passatelli in brodo, a unique pasta made from breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and eggs, typically served in a rich capon or chicken broth.

For meat lovers, Coniglio in Porchetta (rabbit prepared in the style of porchetta, stuffed with wild fennel, garlic, and herbs) is a traditional and flavorful local specialty.

To complement your meal, sample the local wines, most notably Bianchello del Metauro DOC (a fresh white wine that pairs beautifully with the regional cheeses) or a robust Sangiovese dei Colli Pesaresi. End your culinary journey with a slice of Crescia di Pasqua (a tall, sweet bread studded with candied fruits, often found in bakeries year-round).