The
walled town of Urbino is dominated by a Renaissance
palace (Palazzo Ducale). You really must see this
unbelievably perfect palace. It was built for Duke Federico
da Montefeltro. Duke Federico was a true Renaissance man
(he loved books, he loved art, he was a good and fair
leader as well as a soldier). The palace is elegant, ornate,
delicate, grand, spacious — as I said, you really
must visit the Palazzo Ducale. On the ground floor of
the Palazzo is the Museo Archeologico (don’t
spend too much time at this museum go on up to the Galleria
Nazionale delle Marche). On the upper floor of the
Palazzo is the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche,
which houses sculptures, paintings, tapestries and drawings
— many are notable and recognizable. For example,
The Flagellation, La Muta, Citta Ideale to name a few/among
others. The duomo on Piazza Duca Federico
(1789) contains a painting by Barocci of the Last Supper.
The Museo del Duomo (right next door) has more
paintings, frescoes, pottery and a collection of religious
artifacts. The Chiesa di San Domenico has
an interesting entry. The Oratorio di San Giovanni
Battista has some colored frescoes. The Oratorio
di San Giuseppe is known for its Christmas/Nativity
scene. If you’re inclined to see where Raffaello
was born — you’ll find that here: Casa Natale
di Raffaello. Saturday is market day in Urbino.