The seat of the oldest university, the Carlo Bo, born in 1506, has more university students than indigenous residents. Famous for the Academy of Fine Arts, it is also known as the "book capital." Raphael took his first steps right here... #UNESCO #tuttitaly
Home to one of the oldest universities, the Carlo Bo, founded in 1506, and to a famous Academy of Fine Arts, Urbino has more university students than native residents.
Urbino is known as the capital of books due to the Institute for Book Decoration and Illustration, dating back to the second half of the 20th century.
History and Art
Urbino rises between the Metauro Valley and the Foglia Valley, a splendid city with a Renaissance character that entered the World Heritage list in 1998.
A long wall surrounds the city and enjoys immense historical and artistic wealth.
Thanks to Federico di Montefeltro, Urbino experienced its maximum splendor in the fifteenth century. The patron knew how to attract artists to the duchy, among the best that Renaissance culture could offer, and these made Urbino a monumental city.
Walking along the steep and narrow streets, you can admire all the buildings of Renaissance Urbino:
the former Monastery of Santa Chiara, the Church of San Domenico, the Mausoleum of the Dukes in the Church of San Bernardino, Palazzo Borghi, and the magnificent Palazzo Ducale.
The Palazzo Ducale is home to the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, where you can admire some of the masterpieces of art history: "Flagellation of Christ" and "Madonna di Senigallia" by Piero della Francesca, "Communion of the Apostles" by Giusto di Ghent; "Miracle of the Desecrated Host" by Paolo Uccello and the sublime "Muta" by Raphael. Also, don't miss the Data (the ducal stables), connected to the Palace by the helicoidal ramp.
Curiosity:
- Raphael, like Bramante, took his first steps in Urbino. He was trained in his father's workshop and made his debut with works commissioned from him by the nearby localities of the duchy.
- Urbino plays Jazz, the festival organized in August by the Urbino Jazz Club association and promoted by the Municipality of Urbino, where young talents and established artists aim to spread the tolerant culture of jazz music throughout the area.
- Every September, the Kite Festival takes place in Urbino: a competition in which whoever manages to fly their kite the highest wins.
- Art has been created in small workshops since the 16th century: goldsmiths, cabinet makers, potters, plasterers, painters, carpenters, and stonemasons; in the shops in the center, you can observe ancient techniques and new creations.
Gastronomy
Crescia is one of the typical dishes of Urbino, perfect to accompany cheeses and cured meats: Prosciutto di Carpegna DOP, salami di Montefeltro, Casciotta di Urbino DOP, and Pecorino di Fossa.
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