Historic Centre of Urbino in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
infonet - Urbino (only in Italian)
Urbino in Rete (only in Italian)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1998
Size of heritage: 29 ha
- Buffer zone: 3,609 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 12,633°
Latitude: 43,725°

Summary

The small hill town of Urbino, in the Marche, experienced a great cultural flowering in the 15th century, attracting artists and scholars from all over Italy and beyond, and influencing cultural developments elsewhere in Europe. Owing to its economic and cultural stagnation from the 16th century onwards, it has preserved its Renaissance appearance to a remarkable extent.

Location on Map

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Historic Centre of Urbino: A Timeless Gem in Italy

The Historic Centre of Urbino, located in the Province of Pesaro in the Marche Region of Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich history and cultural significance of this enchanting city. With its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and its association with renowned figures such as Raphael, Urbino stands as a testament to the artistic and intellectual achievements of the Italian Renaissance.

A Glimpse into History

Urbino's history dates back to the Roman era, but it flourished during the 15th century under the rule of the Montefeltro family. The city became a center of humanist culture and attracted scholars, artists, and architects from all over Europe. The Montefeltro dukes, particularly Federico da Montefeltro, played a pivotal role in transforming Urbino into a hub of artistic and intellectual excellence.

The architectural masterpiece of the Historic Centre of Urbino is the Palazzo Ducale, the Ducal Palace. This grand palace, designed by Luciano Laurana, showcases the harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its stunning courtyard, elegant loggias, and intricate decorations make it a true marvel of Renaissance architecture.

Another notable landmark within the historic center is the Oratory of St. John the Baptist, a small chapel adorned with exquisite frescoes by Luca Signorelli. These frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist and are considered some of Signorelli's finest works.

The Legacy of Raphael

Urbino is also renowned for being the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of all time, Raphael. Born in 1483, Raphael grew up in Urbino and was heavily influenced by the artistic environment of the city. His father, Giovanni Santi, was a painter at the court of the Montefeltro family, and Raphael's early exposure to art played a crucial role in shaping his talent.

Today, visitors can explore the Casa Natale di Raffaello, Raphael's birthplace, which has been transformed into a museum dedicated to his life and works. The museum houses a collection of paintings, drawings, and personal belongings that provide insight into the artistic journey of this prodigious painter.

The Current State of the Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Urbino has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the splendor of the Renaissance era. The city's narrow streets, lined with well-preserved buildings, create an atmosphere of timeless beauty.

Efforts have been made to protect and conserve the architectural heritage of Urbino. Strict regulations are in place to ensure that any restoration work adheres to the original design and materials used during the Renaissance period. This commitment to preservation has earned Urbino its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Address
Distance: 2,4 mi
via Panoramica, 10 - Loc. Pallino
61029 Urbino
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 09:30 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Pesaro e Urbino: la provincia bella

Published: June 14, 2013
Length: 02:13 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Marchetourism

Il turismo nella provincia assume un ruolo primario nell'economia del territorio, le principali attrazioni sono il mare e l'appennino. Le spiagge di Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano e Marotta, poste...

Urbino's Harlem Shake

Published: March 09, 2013
Length: 48:02 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Riccardo Mattia Canala

Harlem Shake arriva anche ad Urbino City!

teologarte.com.br - a vida de Rafael, grande artista e mestre do renascimento italiano

Published: August 16, 2009
Length: 49:40 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: teologarte

teologarte.com.br visitou Urbino, a cidade natal do famoso pintor e arquiteto Rafael Sanzio, mestre do renascimento italiano.

beppe la guida

Published: September 01, 2009
Length: 37:51 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: mircochannel

Il nostro amico Beppe è intenzionato a mostrarci la nostra città: Urbino..insieme a Mady ...sono delle guide molto esperte...xd.

flashmob a urbino

Published: November 20, 2010
Length: 46:45 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Francesco Veterani

Primo Flash mob a Urbino, organizzato da "Flashmob Urbino" con la collaborazione di ACCAdueò, Open House e Assemblea Permanente Urbino. Ringraziamo per le riprese poco statiche Marco ...