Urbino — UNESCO Heritage
Province of Pesaro and Urbino
Urbino is one of the most fascinating cities of the Italian Renaissance. The Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece by Luciano Laurana, houses the National Gallery of the Marche with works by Raphael (the Muta), Piero della Francesca (Flagellation, Madonna of Senigallia), Paolo Uccello and Titian. Raphael Sanzio's birthplace can be visited and preserves a youthful fresco by the master. The entire historic center has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1998. Do not miss Federico da Montefeltro's Studiolo, a masterpiece of wooden inlays, and the panorama from the Albornoz Fortress.
Type
UNESCO historic center
Best period
April–October
Not to be missed
Studiolo di Federico
Other places in Pesaro-Urbino
Pesaro — UNESCO City of Music
Birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, it hosts the famous Rossini Opera Festival.
Gradara — The Castle of Paolo and Francesca
Among the best preserved medieval castles in Italy, the scene of the tragic love sung by Dante.
Fano — Roman Colony
Ancient Fanum Fortunae, preserves the Arch of Augustus and hosts the oldest Carnival in Italy.
Related stories
Federico da Montefeltro's studiolo: a room containing an entire Renaissance
Perspective marquetry, books, instruments, weapons and optical illusions: a small room in Urbino’s Palazzo Ducale reveals the Renaissance idea of a ruler.
Raphael and the light of Urbino
One of the Renaissance's greatest geniuses was born in Federico da Montefeltro's ducal city. Following in the footsteps of Raphael.