Hotel Tortorina

Memorials of importnat citizens

by Enzyme_X

During Urbinos heydays many important people (scientists, artists...) came to live here, some were even born here. To memorialize those persons that contributed to the glory of Urbino, memorial tablets were placed on the houses where they lived. You can find them all over Urbino. Specially a lot of them you can find in Via Barocci, where nearly every house had an important tenant.

Never on a Monday

by Bunsch

Not just in Urbino...many (perhaps most) Italian museums are closed on Mondays. This can be a spirit-killer if you're only in a city or town for a single day and the museums are unavailable, which is why the Spirit moves me to suggest that much of Italy's great art is found in its churches, virtually all of which are open every day of the week (and are generally free, to boot). So find your Caravaggios and della Robbias in the local duomo, and soak in the notion that people have been hallowing with their prayers the place where they are situated for many hundreds of years.

The Heart of the Marches

by Tom_Fields

"Urbino"

This city dates back to Roman times. The Lombards took over after Rome's fall, and it was later consolidated with four other cities. In the 12th century, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa placed the Montefeltro family in charge of the city; they remained in power until 1508. The Della Rovere family then inherited the city. The Papal State annexed it in 1631, and retained control until Italian unification in 1860.

The imposing Ducal Palace of the Montefeltro family dominates the city. It appears to be more of a fortress than a palace, giving the entire town the look of a huge castle.

Urbino is also famed as the home of Renaissance painter Raphael, best known for his Madonnas (paintings of Mary and Jesus). It also has a beautiful old quarter and some fine churches. This is the best place to visit in the Marches region of northern Italy.

Interesting little Urbino

by yelyah99

"Up and around"

It's said to be the highlight of the Marche region. Whether this is true or not, I can't say (I think the Marche area requires much further exploration as it is quite 'undiscovered'). However, I can say that Urbino is a gorgeous little place, full of steep and winding little streets, with pretty views of the green countryside. This picture sums up Urbino as it is in my memory.

"When I go back.."

I'm going to wander outside Urbino in those green-brown hills...

"Wander"

I spent a lot of time here wandering streets to find views like this one!