"Those who arrive in Urbino unaware of its history and its importance are faced with an extraordinary surprise, indeed a miracle". These words of Carlo Bo summarize the feelings of those who visit this enchanting city of the Marche. Because Urbino is not only one of the most important university-level centers we have in Italy, but also a city rich in magic and history. It is inevitable to be fascinated by its alleys, by the walls, by the views. Everything is reminiscent of the ancient courts of the Italian Renaissance. It is as if time has stopped in Urbino. From the Montefeltro who ruled it to Piero della Francesca, one of the greatest artists of the time, this place is waiting to be discovered. So we propose some itineraries, which cross the history, culture, but also the gastronomy of this place.
Urbino, its Unesco heritage historic center
The beauty and magic of its historic center have been recognized in 1998 UNESCO World Heritage Site. A noble city that has its roots in the history of the past. Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, depicted in the paintings with his characteristic profile, transformed the duchy into a very important artistic and cultural center. Among the obligatory stops of this route in Urbino there is the Doge's Palace. Inside is the National Gallery of the Marche. It houses works by great artists such as Raffaello Sanzio, Guido Reni, Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, Timoteo Viti, Luca Della Robbia.
The alleys, the palaces, the churches of Urbino
Among the alleys there are historic buildings, witnesses of the history of this fascinating place. And then churches, monasteries and convents. To admire then the obelisk in the square Renaissance with five blocks of red Aswan granite. And again the cathedral of Urbino, next to the Ducal Palace. Built by Bishop Mainardo in 1066, rebuilt in the fifteenth century and completed in the seventeenth century. Later renovated by Valadier in a neoclassical style. Inside, the cathedral has a three-nave plan. On the main altar is the Assumption with S. Crescentino and the Blessed Mainardo, the work of Cristoforo Unrterberger. Through the streets of Urbino stop at the Oratory of San Giovanni Battista. The facade of the church is brick. But a wonder awaits the visitor inside. You can admire frescoes made by the brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni from San Severino.
Raphael's art and Piero della Francesca's ideal city
But those who visit Urbino cannot fail to follow the itinerary of discovery of Raphael's life and art. Then stop at the Raphael's house which preserves tools used for the creation of his most famous works. And still in the area a monument dedicated to the artist made by the sculptor Luigi Belli, while in the museum inside the Doge's Palace there are many of his works. And then in the gallery there is a symbolic painting of Italian art, the "City ideal". Many attribute it to Piero della Francesca, or Leon Battista Alberti, Luciano Laurana, Francesco di Giorgio Martini. A perspective rigor that embodies Federico da Montefeltro's dream of building the ideal city of the Renaissance. And in some respects that dream really came true in Urbino which is still preserved today.
The crescia and the specialties of Urbino to taste
And for those who want to indulge in the flavors of the kitchen how not to taste the crescia, which dates back to the sixteenth century, considered a sort of "piadina of the rich". Then the fresh local pasta such as passatelli with broth or truffle. Also dishes based on game and beef, the typical cold cuts of the area such as Salame di Montefeltro, Prosciutto di Carpegna, pecorino di fossa.
