What to see in Urbino in a day

by letygoeson4, Jul, 2023Italy, Marche

Urbino is a postcard-perfect city that you absolutely must visit. Its cobbled streets, ancient porticoes, ups and downs, Renaissance palaces, and imposing churches blend together in a harmonious and perfect ensemble, offering fantastic emotions. Here’s what to see in Urbino in a day.

The city of Urbino captures your attention from the very first moment and then enchants and surprises you the more you wander through its streets. Its historic center, nestled on a hill, is a living postcard that tells stories of art and culture in a unique and unrepeatable atmosphere.

Walking through the streets of Urbino, you feel like you’re stepping back in time, about 500 years ago, when art and culture were at the heart of daily life. You might be wondering what to see in Urbino in a day: the city offers a wide range of attractions and places to visit, and now we’ll explore them together!

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What to see in Urbino in a day

The History of Urbino

Founded by the Umbrians around the 5th century BC, Urbino was later conquered by the Romans and became an important commercial and cultural center. During the Renaissance, Urbino experienced a period of great prosperity under the rule of the Montefeltro family, who transformed it into one of the capitals of Italian art and culture. It was Duke Federico da Montefeltro who attracted artists such as Piero della Francesca and Raphael, making it a significant cultural hub of the time.

After a period of decline, Urbino was once again designated as a cultural center during the Napoleonic era when the first university in the Marche region was established. Today, Urbino is a vibrant and dynamic university city with a wide variety of cultural and artistic activities, making it an excellent destination for those wishing to explore Italy beyond the major tourist circuits.

Visiting Urbino

Its cobbled streets, which wind up and down in a delightful maze, invite you to explore every corner on foot (of course, wearing comfortable shoes). Below, I’ll highlight what to see in Urbino in a day, although in my opinion, the best way to experience it is to look around and let yourself be guided by the beauty of this historic center, joyfully getting lost in its narrow streets, ancient buildings, and magnificent churches.

Enjoy the city and have a great visit!

Albornoz Fortress

The first stop was the Albornoz Fortress, which happened to be the closest attraction to our parking spot. This fortress was built in the 14th century and stands on the hill overlooking Urbino. From its summit, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Outside, there is a well-kept lawn, a popular spot for both tourists and locals to have picnics and relax, especially because of the breathtaking view of the historic center, with its towers, palaces, and the stunning dome that takes your breath away! Definitely my favorite spot in Urbino!

Raphael’s House

Leaving the fabulous panoramic park next to the fortress, I took Via Raffaello to reach the center—a cobbled downhill street with a rather steep slope, but I managed to walk down carefully without falling! About halfway down this street, already in Urbino’s historic center, you’ll find the birthplace of Raphael Sanzio, the famous Renaissance artist. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the artist.

Raphael Monument

Raphael is undoubtedly the star of Urbino, welcoming you even before you enter the town. The city honors him with a monument in a charming panoramic park, surrounded by trees and a pathway lined with busts of other historic artists. Among the well-manicured lawns, you can sit and enjoy a well-deserved rest after your walk. Behind the statue, there’s also a terrace where you can admire the breathtaking surrounding view!

Piazza della Repubblica

Via Raffaello leads directly to the city’s main square. Surrounded by historic buildings, small shops, and cafés where you can sit and enjoy a drink while watching the central fountain, it’s the perfect place to relax under the shade of umbrellas.

Hidden in plain sight, right in the courtyard of a historic building in front of the fountain, I found the restaurant where I had lunch—La cucina di Taty. It’s central yet tucked away from the busy square, and I highly recommend it for its quality, prices, and location!

Urbino Cathedral

Urbino Cathedral features a massive façade and grand staircase. It’s truly stunning! Its construction began in the 13th century, but it underwent numerous modifications and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a blend of architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance.

Inside, you’ll find remarkable works of art, including paintings by Federico Barocci and a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The cathedral, which has been restored several times over the years, also houses precious liturgical objects and an 18th-century organ.

Ducal Palace of Urbino

The Ducal Palace of Urbino is the city’s most significant and iconic monument. Built in the 15th century in Renaissance style, the palace houses the National Gallery of the Marche, an unmissable destination for art lovers. The gallery displays an extensive collection of artworks, including frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and furnishings by artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Piero della Francesca.

A visit to this vast palace is absolutely worth it—I highly recommend seeing it in person because it’s truly incredible!

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (ticket office closes at 12:30 PM)
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM (ticket office closes at 6:00 PM)

Ticket Prices

Full price: €8
Reduced price: €5 (EU citizens aged 18-25 and permanent teachers in state schools)
Free admission: On the first Sunday of each month

Oratory of St. John the Baptist

Located near the Ducal Palace, the Oratory of St. John the Baptist is a small church built in the 15th century.

Inside, you can admire stunning frescoes by artists such as Lorenzo Salimbeni and Francesco di Giorgio Martini. This intimate religious site also houses works by Federico Barocci, including the famous “Death of the Virgin”—a breathtaking masterpiece full of history and emotion.

I hope I’ve given you a clear idea of what to see in Urbino in one day. I’m sure that once you arrive and immerse yourself in this real-life painting, you won’t regret it!

The Marche region also offers many other amazing destinations nearby, such as Pesaro, Fano, and Mondolfo. Just a short distance away, you’ll also find hidden gems in Romagna, including charming villages, castles, and historic city-states waiting to be explored!