If you’re planning a stay in one of our Le Marche villas, then a trip to Urbino should definitely be on your holiday bucket list.
Urbino was a city that had huge cultural significance during the Italian Renaissance. Today, centuries later, it is still viewed by many as an ‘ideal city’, with a perfectly preserved and extremely attractive historic centre inside its historic walls. Urbino owes its current status to the Montefeltro family who oversaw its rebuilding, and particularly to Federico da Montefeltro. Federico summoned numerous influential artists and writers to his court, including Piero della Francesca and Joos Van Ghent.
Urbino’s history actually dates back well before the Renaissance, as far back as Roman times. However, unfortunately, little remains of its earlier ancient past, largely due to wars between the Goths and Byzantines in the 12th and 13th centuries which destroyed large parts of Urbino. That’s not to say that glimpses of its Roman past don’t remain. During repairs to the oldest church in Urbino – San Sergio – evidence of a Roman swimming pool came to light. And, in 1943, the remains of a Roman theatre were discovered on the Via San Domenico.
Wherever your Le Marche villa is situated, it’s certainly worth taking the trip to explore Urbino for yourself. Enjoy our complete guide to Urbino, with everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the city.
What to see and do in Urbino
First and foremost on the list of things to see and do in Urbino is to pay a visit to the Palazzo Ducale. This building dominates the city and is home to Urbino’s main museums. On the ground floor is the Museo Archeologico Urbinate and upstairs on the second floor of the palace is the Museo della Ceramica (Ceramics museum). However, it is actually nestled in between these two floors that you will discover one most important art galleries in Italy – the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Here, you will find works by Piero della Francesca, Titian, Raphael, Uccello and others.
Urbino was actually home to one of these artists – Raphael. Raphael was born in Urbino on 28 March 1483, the son of a well-known painter, Giovanni Santi, who sadly died when Raphael was just 11 years old. A bronze sculpture honours the great artist in the Viale Buozzi. It’s also possible to visit Raphael’s birthplace – the Casa Natale di Raffaello. This rather famous villa in Le Marche is where Raphael spent the first sixteen years of his life. This building is situated just up the hill from the Piazza Duca Federico. Many of his early works are displayed here as well as a number of excellent reproductions of his most famous paintings, including one of his earliest frescoes, the Madonna con Bambino.
Next to the Palazzo Ducale is the rather austere 19th century Neo-Classical Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta). This replaced the earlier cathedral built by Federico Montefeltro which was sadly destroyed by an earthquake in 1789. Head inside to admire Federico Barocci’s Ultima Cena (Last Supper). Adjacent to the Duomo is the Museo Diocescano Albani, where you will find a collection of religious artworks and artefacts including a work by Raphael’s father, Giovanni Santi.
Another religious building not to be missed is the Oratorio di San Giovanni. This is a 14th century red-bricked church, home to some superb, extremely colourful frescoes by Lorenzo and Giacomo Salimbeni. And last but not least is the Oratorio di San Giuseppe (the oratory of Saint Joseph). This church dates back to the 17th century and is again is where you’ll some magnificent frescoes. It can also lay claim to being the home of the oldest life-size nativity scenes (presepe) in the world made by Federico Brandani in the mid 16th century.
Before heading away from Urbino, you may also want to visit the Fortezza Albornoz in the Parco della Resistenza. Unfortunately, visitors can’t enter the fortress itself, but the castle grounds provide a lovely place to sit and enjoy the sunset. And it’s a wonderful way to get a rather breathtaking view over Urbino and its skyline with the Appenines in the far distance.
Events in Urbino
Urbino is host to many important festivals and it is worth trying to coincide your visit to partake in one of these. The Urbino Antiquaria is a regularly held antiques market which takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Probably the biggest of the annual events in Urbino is La Festa del Duca. This is held on the third Sunday of August. This festival celebrates the history of the city and includes a jousting tournament. Visit at this time and you’ll see the residents of Urbino dressed up in traditional costumes.
Urbino also plays host to a couple of annual music festivals including the Urbino Musica Antica Festival Internazionale in late July and the Urbino Plays Jazz festival in early August.
Finally, in the first week of September, there is a very different festival – the Festa dell’ Aquilone – where beautiful multi-coloured kites are flown from the Cesane hills.
Restaurants in Urbino
Our favourite restaurants in Urbino include:
Antica Osteria da la Stella A fantastic restaurant serving top-notch cuisine from the first floor of a 15th century building in the heart of Urbino. More expensive than a lot of other places in Urbino but, in our opinion, well worth the added cost.
Osteria L’Angolo Divino High quality food served up by chef and owner, Tiziano Rosetti. Fine dining with the option to eat outside on the terrace or in one of the cosy rooms inside.
Tartufi Antiche Bontà On the ground floor, you’ll find a great food shop selling local produce however head downstairs and you’ll discover a charming vaulted cellar filled with tables where you can enjoy a meal. We recommend the tasting menu.
Where to stay in Urbino
Opt for a Le Marche villa rental for your stay in this beautiful region of Italy. Or, find great rates on a hotel in Urbino via Expedia.
How to get to Urbino
By plane: The nearest airport is Ancona. If continuing on by public transport from Ancona airport, then the quickest route is to take the bus from here to the train station in Ancona, catch a train from here to Pesaro and, from here, hop back on a bus to Urbino. There is also an airport in Rimini however it’s very small. Alternatively, you can fly into Perugia airport which is approximately 90 minutes away by car, or into Bologna which is 2 hours away.
By car: If coming by car, we would definitely recommend parking in the largest parking area in Urbino – the Borgo Mercatale. From here, it’s extremely easy to visit all the main attractions on foot. There is also another good sized parking area on the opposite side of town near the Porta San Bartolo. During peak season, we recommend you arrive early as car parks do fill up quickly.
By train: Unfortunately, Urbino does not have a train station but the nearest train stations to Urbino are in either Pesaro (35 km) or Fano (45 km).
Try out the Omio website to find the best routes and to purchase tickets for bus, train or flights.
Inspired to visit Urbino but yet to find your perfect villa in Le Marche? Then check out the Le Marche villa rentals from Italy villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.