Urbino
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The city of Urbino is situated in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino with a population of 14,361 inhabitants. It stands at an elevation of 451 metres above sea level and lies 113 kilometres north west of Ancona, the regional capital of Marche.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, Urbino flourished during the 15th century and owes its listing to its well-preserved examples of Renaissance architecture. Principal among these is the Palazzo Ducale which is the town's main sight along with its cathedral and the house where painter Raphael was born. |
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Sightseeing Urbino: Palazzo Ducale
A visit to Urbino is incomplete without exploring the marvellous Palazzo Ducale. From the outside the 15th century building only offers a glimpse to what might lie within and it is indeed the internal area of the Ducal Palace which makes it truly memorable. Construction of the building started in 1470 at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro.
One of the archetypal "Renaissance men", the later Duke of Urbino was a successful condottiere, a warrior who made his money from a series of conquests. However, putting aside his warring instincts he set about turning little Urbino into one of the leading lights of the Renaissance period, bringing fine art, learning and architecture to the town.
The beautiful courtyard at the centre of the building was one of the first of its kind and leads out into a number of beautiful rooms over three floors where the Duke's collection of art, artefacts and a fantastic library are available for all to see.
Urbino's Centro Storico
There are two distinct areas of Urbino; an upper and a lower town and it's the upper town that's by far the most attractive. Urbino's centro storico is very small with the real highlights listed above. Aside from the tourists that come to visit the Palazzo Ducale, the town is given life and exuberance by its University and as a consequence has an engaging, youthful feel to it.
There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop along the main thoroughfare that runs on a north-south axis alongside the Cathedral and the Ducal Palace. The main area of shops and restaurants is around the central square of the centro storico: Piazza Rinascimento.
A visit to Urbino is incomplete without exploring the marvellous Palazzo Ducale. From the outside the 15th century building only offers a glimpse to what might lie within and it is indeed the internal area of the Ducal Palace which makes it truly memorable. Construction of the building started in 1470 at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro.
One of the archetypal "Renaissance men", the later Duke of Urbino was a successful condottiere, a warrior who made his money from a series of conquests. However, putting aside his warring instincts he set about turning little Urbino into one of the leading lights of the Renaissance period, bringing fine art, learning and architecture to the town.
The beautiful courtyard at the centre of the building was one of the first of its kind and leads out into a number of beautiful rooms over three floors where the Duke's collection of art, artefacts and a fantastic library are available for all to see.
Urbino's Centro Storico
There are two distinct areas of Urbino; an upper and a lower town and it's the upper town that's by far the most attractive. Urbino's centro storico is very small with the real highlights listed above. Aside from the tourists that come to visit the Palazzo Ducale, the town is given life and exuberance by its University and as a consequence has an engaging, youthful feel to it.
There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop along the main thoroughfare that runs on a north-south axis alongside the Cathedral and the Ducal Palace. The main area of shops and restaurants is around the central square of the centro storico: Piazza Rinascimento.
Close to Urbino
If you have a car there are numerous places within reach close by; on the main road south west of Urbino is the similarly-named Urbania, another historic town, while heading in a south-easterly direction it's just a short drive to the riverside town of Fossombrone. A few miles from Fossombrone is the Furlo Pass valley area while heading east towards the coast brings you to the seaside town of Fano.
If you have a car there are numerous places within reach close by; on the main road south west of Urbino is the similarly-named Urbania, another historic town, while heading in a south-easterly direction it's just a short drive to the riverside town of Fossombrone. A few miles from Fossombrone is the Furlo Pass valley area while heading east towards the coast brings you to the seaside town of Fano.
Comune di Urbino
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Province: Pesaro and Urbino
Region: Marche Population: 13,772 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Total size: 226 km² Elevation: 451 metres Top sights: Palazzo Ducale, Urbino Cathedral, Raphael's House Close by: Urbania, Fossombrone, Sassocorvaro, Montefabbri Recommended hotel: Colleverde Country House |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historic Centre of Urbino
Year: 1998
Historic Centre of Urbino
Year: 1998
Urbino Travel
Urbino has no train station; the nearest one is in Pesaro which is 37 kilometres away. There are though frequent buses between Urbino and Pesaro with a journey time of around an hour. The bus station is situated at the edge of the town centre, 500 metres from the Palazzo Ducale. The location of the bus station is called Borgo Mercatale and this is also the best place to park if you come by car. From Borgo Mercatale there's a lift that connects you to the upper town and saves a steep walk of about 5 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Urbino is Marche Airport which is situated close to Ancona. By car it takes just over an hour with a distance of 90 kilometres.
The most convenient airport for Urbino is Marche Airport which is situated close to Ancona. By car it takes just over an hour with a distance of 90 kilometres.
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Public transport: Local buses, no train station close by
By bus: Pesaro - 45 minutes to 1 hour |
By car: Pesaro - 42 mins (37 km), Ancona - 1 hour 16 mins (113 km)
Fly to: Marche Airport -1 hour by car (86 km) |
