Urbino Things to Do Tips by Bunsch Top 5 Page for this destination

I'd spend all my time in this study!

You're making your way through the Galleria Nazionale, and it's pretty darned impressive. But then you come to the Duke's Study. As my little guidebook says, "Take time to really look at the exquisite inlaid images. Note the mastery of perspective (for example, the latticed cupboard doors appear perfectly open). Let the Duke share his passions: art, culture, religion, war, love, music and caged birds." Too right! Within this very limited space, Baccio Pontelli created a series of masterpieces in wooden inlay, probably designed by Donato Bramante. I brought home only a little book mark depicting a plump Italian squirrel enjoying a nut, but every time I open a book and see it, I smile recalling how awed I was by Pontelli's artistry.

In case you don't already know, admission is four euros. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM, Mondays until 2:00 PM.

Address: Palazzo Ducale, Urbino

Phone: 0722-322-625

What an art collection: Palazzo Ducale

Now that you've made the rather serious effort to get to Urbino, you will be richly rewarded if one of the items on your "must see" list is the Palazzo Ducale. It isn't just the focal point of half the postcards and other artistic depictions of the town. Instead, it is a blockbuster collection of art in all its forms -- frescoes, sculpture, tapestry, intricately carved and fitted woodwork, glorious paintings -- all of which is presented in a massive palace which will interest even those who aren't so keen on the art world.

The word is that the Duke, Federico da Montefeltro, who began his life as a mere Count and ruled from 1444 onwards, changed the "cultural and urban context" of Urbino, which had been merely one of many small local duchies until he succeeded his stepbrother. No doubt. It was his architect who designed the small twin towers, or torricini, which welcome visitors to Urbino. To this spot in the middle of nowhere, Federico brought the cream of Florentine and Lombardy artists, and he must have set them all to work to fill the vast palace. He also began to assemble a library which, for its time, must have been amongst the most impressive in the world. (The collection of some 600 Latin manuscripts, 168 in Greek, 82 in Hebrew and 2 in Arabic was purchased for the Vatican Library in 1657.)

One of the Duke's favorites was the father of the painter now simply known as Rafael, and Papa is well-represented in the collection. There are, however, a few of his son's master-works on display, including "La Muta" whose picture appears below.

I highly recommend Rick Steves' guide for room-by-room descriptions of the treasures to be found at the Palazzo. Allow adequate time to see the rooms now open for public viewing. Then treat yourself to a glass of Prosecco in the lovely gardens behind the Courtyard of Honor.

The Palazzo collection is now denominated the Galleria Nationale delle Marche. Entrance fee is 4 Euros. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-7:15, and Monday from 8:30-2:00.

Address: 107 Piazza Duca Federico, Urbino 61029

Directions: Can't miss it, smack in the main piazza.

Phone: 0722 2760

Ducal stables: how do you get a horse up there?

You can actually get a good idea of the immensity of the Duke's mounted forces if you climb to the Fortress. Looking down, you'll see the long front of the stables (on the right of the palace), and a round tower which enclosed a spiral ramp so that the horses could make the steep climb to the palace itself. The subterranean level of the Ducal Palace is open to tourists, and it's fascinating -- showing the influence of modern ideas of waste disposal, water works, and refrigeration (snow, of course, was used). Even on a very hot day, we found the air temperature in these levels was cool. It must have been a blessing to those weary horses, and to the men stowing the huge quantities of provender for the animals.

Entrance fee (which includes the entire palace) is 4 Euros. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-7:15, and Monday from 8:30-2:00.

Address: 107 Piazza Duca Federico, Urbino 61029

Phone: 0722 2760

"Casa Natale di Raffaello" sounds good

Raphael -- our shorthand name for Raffaello Sanzio -- was born in this substantial and attractive house, and taught to paint by his father Giovanni Santi, who was one of the Duke's pet artists. (You can find examples of both Raphael pere et fils at the Ducal Palace.) The place actually sounds a little better than it turns out to be; it is rather bare, and has nothing but copies of the masterworks on display. It's also a VERY steep climb.

Admission is three euros.

Address: 57 Via Raffaello, Urbino

Phone: 072-2320105