Subscribe

Getty Images/age fotostock RM

Urbino

Birthplace of the artist Raphael, Unesco-listed Urbino is both a vibrant university town and a model Renaissance city. Its immaculate centro storico appears to have changed little since the 15th century when it enjoyed a golden age under the powerful Duca Federico da Montefeltro, one of the giants of the Italian Renaissance. Under his influential stewardship, Urbino became a thriving centre of the arts, drawing the great artists, architects and scholars of the day.

Explore Urbino

  • C

    Casa Natale di Raffaello

    This 15th-century house is where Renaissance artist Raphael was born in 1483 and spent his first 16 years. The museum, which displays copies of many of…

  • D

    Duomo

    Rebuilt in the early 19th century in neoclassical style, the interior of Urbino's duomo commands much greater interest than its austere facade…

  • O

    Oratorio di San Giovanni

    This 14th-century red-brick church features a series of brightly coloured frescoes by Lorenzo and Giacomo Salimbeni. Behind the main altar is a gripping…

  • M

    Museo Diocesano Albani

    Adjacent to the Duomo, this museum showcases a modest collection of religious artefacts, vestments and paintings, including Andrea da Bologna’s Madonna…

  • C

    Casa della Poesia

    Ser around a lovely arcaded courtyard in the Renaissance Palazzo Bonaventura Odasi, this cultural centre hosts everything from art and photography…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Urbino.

  • See

    Casa Natale di Raffaello

    This 15th-century house is where Renaissance artist Raphael was born in 1483 and spent his first 16 years. The museum, which displays copies of many of…

  • See

    Duomo

    Rebuilt in the early 19th century in neoclassical style, the interior of Urbino's duomo commands much greater interest than its austere facade…

  • See

    Oratorio di San Giovanni

    This 14th-century red-brick church features a series of brightly coloured frescoes by Lorenzo and Giacomo Salimbeni. Behind the main altar is a gripping…

  • See

    Museo Diocesano Albani

    Adjacent to the Duomo, this museum showcases a modest collection of religious artefacts, vestments and paintings, including Andrea da Bologna’s Madonna…

  • See

    Casa della Poesia

    Ser around a lovely arcaded courtyard in the Renaissance Palazzo Bonaventura Odasi, this cultural centre hosts everything from art and photography…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Urbino

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.