Urbino is one of the great small cities of the Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century, under Duke Federico da Montefeltro, this hilltop town in northern Marche became a center of art and learning admired across Europe. It was the birthplace of Raphael, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today Urbino is a lively university town of brick palaces and steep lanes, with far fewer visitors than Florence. This guide covers what to see, what to eat and how to plan your visit.
Where is Urbino, Italy?
Urbino is in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the north of the Marche region. It stands on two hills inland from the Adriatic coast, about a 40-minute drive from Pesaro. There is no railway station, so most visitors arrive by car, bus or private driver.
What to see in Urbino
Palazzo Ducale
The Ducal Palace is the reason most people come. Built for Federico da Montefeltro, who ruled Urbino from 1444 to 1482, it is one of the finest Renaissance palaces in Italy. The writer Baldassare Castiglione described it as a city in the form of a palace. Do not miss the courtyard and the Duke’s studiolo, a small study lined with inlaid wood panels.
Galleria Nazionale delle Marche
Inside the palace, the National Gallery of the Marche holds an outstanding collection of Renaissance art, including Piero della Francesca’s Flagellation of Christ and works by Raphael and Titian. Allow at least two to three hours for the palace and gallery together.
Raphael’s birthplace
Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483. The house where he grew up, in the street now named after him, is a small museum with period rooms and works connected to his life and his father’s workshop.
Oratory of San Giovanni Battista
This small oratory is covered in vivid early 15th-century frescoes of the life of Saint John the Baptist. It is one of the hidden treasures of the town.
Fortezza Albornoz
Walk up to the park around the old fortress at sunset for the classic view of the palace towers and the rooftops of Urbino.
What to eat in Urbino
- Crescia sfogliata: a flaky flatbread filled with cured meats, cheese or greens, the local street food.
- Casciotta d’Urbino: a soft, mild cheese made from sheep’s and cow’s milk, protected as a DOP product.
- Truffles: the hills around Acqualagna, a short drive away, are one of Italy’s most important truffle areas. Read our guide to truffle hunting in Italy.
Day trips from Urbino
- Urbania: a small Renaissance town on the river Metauro, once the summer residence of the dukes.
- The Furlo Gorge: a dramatic limestone gorge crossed by an ancient Roman road.
- Gradara: a medieval castle and walled village near the coast, linked to the story of Paolo and Francesca.
- Pesaro: a seaside town and birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, with the Rossini Opera Festival every August.
How long to spend in Urbino
One full day covers the palace, the gallery and the old town. Stay overnight to enjoy Urbino in the evening, when day visitors leave and students fill the squares, and to combine it with Acqualagna or the coast.
How to get to Urbino
The nearest railway station is Pesaro, with buses up to Urbino. The nearest airports are Ancona and Rimini, with Bologna a little further. A private driver lets you combine Urbino with the truffle towns or the coast in one day without worrying about parking in the historic center.
Urbino, Italy: frequently asked questions
Is Urbino worth visiting?
Yes. For anyone interested in the Renaissance, the Ducal Palace and the National Gallery are among the highlights of Italy, with a fraction of the crowds of Florence.
Is Urbino a UNESCO site?
Yes. The historic center of Urbino is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Can you visit Urbino as a day trip?
Yes, from Pesaro, the Marche coast or even Rimini. Staying one night is more relaxing.
Plan your trip to Urbino and Marche
Urbino is part of many of our itineraries, including the 7-day private luxury tour of Marche. Explore our private Marche tours and book a free video call.
