Le Marche · PU
Urbino
The ideal city of the Renaissance: the Montefeltro Ducal Palace, Raphael's birthplace and steep UNESCO-listed lanes.
Photo: Fabio Demitri, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Things to do in Urbino
The Ducal Palace and National Gallery of the Marche
Urbino · All year, closed on Mondays
The Festa del Duca in Urbino
Urbino · August (dates vary)
Bookable tours in Urbino
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Why go solo
A university town: young, lively, safe and full of cafés and bookshops. Everything is walkable, and between museums there is always a staircase with a view over the hills.
Visiting Urbino: the guide
The Ducal Palace
Federico da Montefeltro's palace is the heart of the city, recognisable from afar by its slender twin towers. Inside is the National Gallery of the Marche, with Piero della Francesca's Flagellation, Raphael's La Muta, the Ideal City and the Duke's inlaid study.
Raphael's hometown
Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483. His birthplace on Via Raffaello is open to visitors, with the workshop of his father, Giovanni Santi.
Urbino in one day
Start at the Ducal Palace and the cathedral, then walk down to Piazza della Repubblica and up Via Raffaello to Raphael's house and the Oratory of St John. End the day at the Fortezza Albornoz, with sunset over the palace towers.
What to see in Urbino
Ducal Palace
Federico da Montefeltro's palace and the National Gallery of the Marche: Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Titian.
Raphael's birthplace
The house where the painter was born, with his father's workshop.
Oratory of St John the Baptist
A small jewel entirely frescoed in the 15th century.
Fortezza Albornoz
The park at the top of town with the best view of the Ducal Palace's towers.
Via Raffaello
The steepest and most scenic street in town.
How to get there
Train to Pesaro, then the Pesaro–Urbino bus (about an hour) to Borgo Mercatale, where a spiral ramp and a lift take you up to the centre.
Don't miss
Festa del Duca (): Costume parades, tournaments and Renaissance music bring back the days of Federico da Montefeltro. Check dates before you go.
Day trip or overnight?
Worth at least a night: the students make the evenings lively, and the lanes are yours early in the morning.
Plan your visit
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Urbino without a car?
Train to Pesaro, then the Pesaro–Urbino bus (about an hour) to Borgo Mercatale, where a spiral ramp and a lift take you up to the centre.
How much time do you need for Urbino?
One day. Worth at least a night: the students make the evenings lively, and the lanes are yours early in the morning.
When is the best time to visit Urbino?
The best months are April, May, June, September, October. Don't miss: Festa del Duca (undefined).
How do you get to Urbino without a car?
By train to Pesaro and then the Pesaro–Urbino bus, about an hour.
Was Raphael born in Urbino?
Yes, in 1483: his birthplace on Via Raffaello is a museum.
