Urbino is a university town, perching on the foothills of the northern Apennines. There is about 15000 people living in this historical city. The dominant architectural style is medieval, but it is on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, due to its renaissance legacy. Several of the most renowned renaissance artists and architects stayed in Urbino, leaving behind a surprisingly harmonious blend of the somber medieval and the frivolous renaissaic building styles.
Palazzo Ducale is a perfect example of what makes Urbino special. Today it hosts Galleria Nazionale della Marche, with one one of the most important collections of renaissance art, but the building in itself might be an even more important piece of art. It was built during the latter half of the 16th century by architects Maso di Bartolomeo, followed by Luciano Laurana and finished by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. Although these three gentlemen had very different visions of the finished palace, resulting in a mix of strict geometrical patterns and rounded, flowing archways that’s still perfectly balanced.
Another place of interest is of course the house where Raphael stayed while he lived in Urbino. It can parade, among many other beautiful paintings, a fresco that was painted by the young Raphael.
As is the case with most university towns, Urbino is an extremely diverse and dynamic town. There are always cultural and culinary events to attend to. Always something going on.
Every July, the town arranges the Festival Internazionale di Musica Antica, this has been a highlight of every year since 1969. Enthusiasts come from all over the world to play music and instruments that have been silent for centuries. Well worth a visit.
After all, this Italy, so not only is there a wine festival, dedicated to the local grapes, but also a cheese festival, where one can enjoy the locally produced Casciotta d’Urbino. Legend will have it that this was the favourite cheese of Michelangelo.
Urbino has historically been central to the production and painting of majolika, a typ of ceramic ware known for its strong, fiery colour. Special to Urbino was the focus on historical and mythical motifs that often covered the whole ceramic vessel. Urbino has also been famous for the crafts of bookbinding and illustrations. Although there has been a steep decline of practitioners due to generational shifts, there is still a small, but vital community in Urbino dedicated to keeping these crafts alive.
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