Urbino

Click on them to view a larger image of the photos.

Urbino is a picturesque Renaissance hill town (Pop approx. 17,000) built on two hills connected by 4 principal roads and most of it is still surrounded by solid walls and sturdy gates. It is the capital of the Marche region of central Italy. Although Urbino was a Roman and medieval city, its peak came during the 15th century when Duke Federico da Montefeltro established one of Europe's most illustrious courts. Its impressive Ducal Palace houses one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in Italy.

Urbino is very impressive. Situated in the rolling hills it is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance and, some say, a lot more attractive and interesting than Florence. The town has preserved itself virtually as it was at the time of its most famous son, Raffaello.

Urbino's huge Ducal Palace, Palazzo Ducale, is one of the most impressive (and also the first) in Italy. The Ducal Palace was built in the second half of the fifteenth century. Perhaps the most impressive areas are the Courtyard of Honor, the Duke's study with stunning trompe l'oeil inlaid woodwork panels as well as the vast array of art on the walls throughout. It's easy to spend several hours wandering through the palace and two musuems, the Marche National Gallery (Galleria Nazionale delle Marche), which has one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world, and the Archaeological Museum.

We did spend several hours exploring the extensive building and assembled art which is displayed throughout the palace. The Duke's study with inlaid wood panels is exquisite, with three dimensional panels portraying various aspects of his many interests. Also, near his study is a room honoring one of the Greek gods (I have forgotten which one).

Legend has it that the Duke was more than a benevolent "governor" of the people of Urbino and surrounding area, including the town of Gubbio in what is now Umbria (and our next stop). He apparently used his wealth, not only to build this magnificent enormous palace (once a functioning household we learned) but to establish for the people universal education and health care.

The accompanying photos, with the exception of a beautiful view, are virtually all of the Ducal Palace. The first collection is the view of the palace from the street below plus a view of the surrounding area from the palace. The second set is in the beautiful Courtyard of Honor and one photo from inside the palace (photos were not allowed inside - one or two of our group were actually scolded for taking some).

Rich