It may seem strange, but at only 35 km from the sea on the Adriatic Coast, here you can see the ancient (and modern) wonders of the historical city centre of Urbino stretch out in front of your very eyes and in 1998, the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This recognition was awarded in honour of the city’s glorious past that blossomed during the Renaissance period under the leadership of Frederick of Montefeltro and thanks to the geniality of remarkable intellectuals and artists of that era.
The historical city centre of Urbino stretches out over an area of approximately one square kilometre enclosed within imposing defensive walls. By following a closely-knit road network, it is possible to see narrow streets, a route consisting of sudden ups and downs, alleys, stairways and underpasses, palaces and churches that all together form a background of incomparable beauty, made even more suggestive by the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
In particular, seen from afar, the walls surrounding the Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) blend in with the rest of the city and thanks also the tall side towers, you are given the impression that this is a “City in the form of a Palace”, as Baldassarre Castiglione (author of the famous novel “The book of the Courtier” (“Il Cortigiano”) defined it.
The key points of interest that you can visit in the historical city centre of Urbino include:
Viale Comandino, 53 - 61029 Urbino
