Urbino, Italy
Location
Urbino is a picturesque city located in the Marche region of Italy, known for its influence during the Renaissance. The city is situated in the eastern part of central Italy, lying between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. This location provides Urbino with a mild climate and scenic, sloping hills throughout the city. Urbino’s Renaissance art and architecture in combination with its natural surrounding beauty makes the city truly mesmerizing and uniquely captivating.
History
Urbino has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, but it is most renowned for its role during the Renaissance period. The city was established as a thriving cultural and intellectual center under the rule of Duke Federico da Montefeltro in the 15th century. The Duke’s palace, Palazzo Ducale, became a centerpiece of Renaissance architecture, attracting artists, scholars, and architects from across Europe. Urbino is well known for being the birthplace of the esteemed artist Raphael, whose early work in the city helped lay the foundations for his future success as a painter. Additionally, the city is home to the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, which originated as a law school in 1506, and now accounts for about half of the Urbino population. Throughout the centuries, Urbino has maintained its original buildings and cultural traditions, preserving its Renaissance art and architecture and continuing to attract history and art admirers from around the world.