Federico da Montefeltro, the famous duca :)
by Trekki
Federico da Montefeltro is a rather illustrious figure. He was born illegitimate but the actual duke of early 15th century, Guidantonio da Montefeltro, who had no legitimate kids, declared him his son and thus heir, even with official approval of the pope. When he was a kid he was sent to several places including Venezia for better and especially classical education, which was partly responsible for him being the patron for arts as we know him today. He earned a lot of money as a condottiere (mercenary) in his early adult years which might had given him the power to bring forward arts and culture in Urbino and its surroundings. But he was still a commander and felt as such. I have read that he was among the leaders who inspired Niccolò Machiavelli to write his “Il Principe”, “The Prince”. His being a commander was also reason why he is always portrayed from the left side only: he lost his right eye and the upper part of his nose in a knight fight. The most famous painting of him and his wife, Battista Sforza, is the diptych.
(I should know more about him by now, since in a way he is “my” duca, regent of Montefeltro, where Gubbio once belonged to. But I am still in a learning curve about him. More one day).
Never on a Sunday
by Bunsch
Not limited to Urbino...it seems that Italians take seriously the admonition that one is to keep the sabbath day holy, at least the Italians who are involved in the restaurant trade. We had a very difficult time finding anything other than coffee shop or pizza meals (admittedly, Italian pizza is fabulous). So think ahead, and get the supplies for a wonderful picnic en plein air, or call ahead before you drive out for that four-star recommendation in Frommer's, and avoid an unpleasant shock.
If you're used to wash cloths, bring them
by Bunsch
Our inn in Urbino included bath towels and hand towels, but not what we Americans call "wash cloths" (a small towel used to wash one's face). Luckily, my friend had brought a supply which could be left behind in each city, and I brought Olay's excellent cleansing tissues because that's what I use back in Rhode Island. But if you're younger than we are and dislike using a corner of your bath towel to wash your face, you might think about packing something you wouldn't mind discarding after your visit.
One of the Reasons We Came to the Le Marche
by deecat
"Centro Storico:UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites"
Known as The City of Art, Urbino was the busiest city that we visited. It was so busy that we could not find anywhere to stay. All the hotels, pensiones, rooms, hostels, etc. were booked.
The entire city that lies within the walls dates from the 15th and 16th Centuries. I loved the maze of pink-bricked streets and alleys. I also admired the sandstone gate, the steep (really steep) streets, and the Botanical Garden.
This Renaissance city is a walled city that is noteworthy for its Palazzo Ducale. This palace was built for Duke Federico da Montefeltro, a true Renaissance man. I would have loved to have known him. I admire his love of books, art, and his fairness as a leader.
This city is famous for the majolica ceramics, metals, fabrics, antiques, artistic heritage conservation, art prints, and book restoration.
There is much to do in this University City:
Palazzo Ducale
The Cathedral
Oratory of San Giovanni (superior cycle of frescoes)
Church of San Bernardino degli Zoccolanti
Convent of Santa Chiara
When we visited, the city was jam-packed with teen-agers and young adults. There was some kind of concert, and the young ones were here to celebrate.
The only time in our four visits to Italy that we ever ran into rude behavior was here in Urbino at the Information Center. The young woman who worked here was crass, rude, and not helpful at all. She acted as though we were wasting her time. That set the mood for Allan and I.
The Ideal Renaissance Town
by anne_h
Urbino is not as well-known as, perhaps, it should be. If you have been to the Uffizi museum in Florence, you've probably seen Botticelli's portrait of the Duke of Urbino in profile, recognizable by the strange shape of his nose. There is a portrait of his wife on the other side.
The Duke helped make Urbino into the beautiful Renaissance town you see today. The most obvious landmark is the Duke's palace, which you can visit.
Urbino is also a major university town, which makes it quite lively.
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The dining area (JPH pic)
"La Muta"
Statue of Raphael
The Facciata dei Torricini
