Where Is Urbino, Italy? Discover the Renaissance Jewel of Le Marche

A Small Hill Town With a Remarkable Legacy

Tucked away in the Marche region of central Italy, Urbino is a small hill town with a remarkable historical legacy that shaped the course of the Italian Renaissance. Built on a high sloping hillside, it still retains its picturesque medieval aspect, surrounded by city walls and filled with art, culture, and history.

Its historic centre is a World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO as an exceptional example of Renaissance urban planning. Every street — from Corso Garibaldi to the Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s main square — tells the story of a city that once rivaled Florence and Rome in influence.

How to Get to Urbino

Urbino is a small hill town without a train station, but it is easily accessible by bus or car from several major cities in Italy. The nearest train station is in Pesaro, located on the Adriatic coast, approximately an hour’s drive from Urbino. From Pesaro, regular buses connect travelers to Urbino’s bus station, located near the historic center.

If you are coming from larger cities like Rome, Florence, or Bologna, you can take a train to Pesaro or Fano and then continue by bus or car. Driving to Urbino offers a scenic journey through the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of the Marche region, making the trip itself a delightful part of the visit.

For those arriving by air, the closest airports are in Ancona and Bologna, both well connected by train and bus services to Pesaro and Urbino. Once in Urbino, the town’s compact size and walkable streets make exploring on foot the best way to soak in its Renaissance charm.

Getting to Urbino by Plane: Nearby Airports

Aerial image of the Ancona-Falconara airport

While Urbino itself does not have an airport, it is conveniently accessible from several nearby international airports that serve the Marche region and surrounding areas. The closest airport is Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI), located about 70 kilometers southeast of Urbino. This airport offers flights from various European cities and is well connected by train and bus services to Pesaro, from where you can reach Urbino by bus or car.

Another option is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Urbino. Bologna Airport is a larger international hub with extensive flight connections worldwide. From Bologna, travelers can take a train or bus to Pesaro or Fano and then continue to Urbino by bus or car.

For travelers coming from Rome, Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is about 250 kilometers south of Urbino. Though farther away, it offers the widest range of international flights. From Rome, you can take a train to Pesaro or Fano and then a bus or car to Urbino.

Once at any of these airports, the journey to Urbino involves a combination of train, bus, or car travel through the scenic landscapes of the Marche region, making the trip part of the overall Italian experience.

The Court of Duke Federico da Montefeltro

Duke Federico da Montefeltro

In the 15th century, Duke Federico da Montefeltro transformed Urbino into a beacon of Renaissance art and humanist thought. The dukes of Urbino played a pivotal role in shaping the city's political and cultural history, fostering an environment where the arts could flourish. His Palazzo Ducale (also known as the Ducal Palace Urbino) became a symbol of power and sophistication, designed by Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

This palace holds masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, Federico Barocci, and Giovanni Santi — father of Raphael. Inside the Duke's Study, a masterpiece of wooden marquetry, Federico surrounded himself with maps, books, and scientific instruments. The Duke's Study stands as a testament to his passion for arts, culture, and scholarship, showcasing his intellectual pursuits and appreciation for artistic mastery. Today, it houses the National Gallery of the Marche, one of Italy’s most important collections of Renaissance paintings. The palace became a center for the arts during the Renaissance, attracting renowned artists and fostering artistic development.

Birthplace of Raphael and the Spirit of Art

Self portrait of Raphael

Few towns in Europe can claim to have given birth to such a great artist. Raphael’s house, now a museum, still stands on a quiet street near Santa Chiara. His father Giovanni Santi, a court painter, introduced him to the artistic world of Urbino — one filled with scholars, architects, and poets like Baldassare Castiglione, author of Il Cortegiano.

The influence of Urbino’s court reached far beyond Le Marche, inspiring artists from Rome to Florence, and helping define the aesthetics of the High Renaissance. Urbino gained historical significance by attracting artists such as Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, and Raphael, establishing its reputation as a major artistic hub during the Renaissance.

Architecture and Faith

Urbino’s urban layout reflects the Renaissance idea of a perfect city — balanced, ordered, and humane. The Cathedral of Urbino (or Urbino Cathedral) stands like a classical temple, rebuilt after earthquakes and wars, yet preserving its calm geometry. During the Renaissance, the construction of palaces, churches, and monasteries funded by influential families showcased Urbino's architectural achievements and civic pride.

Nearby, the Church of San Giovanni shelters a Nativity scene and vibrant frescoes. Outside the city walls, the new church of San Bernardino houses the tombs of the Montefeltro family — a serene architectural gem on a hill overlooking the public park and countryside.

From the Middle Ages to Modern Life

Despite its size, Urbino feels alive and youthful thanks to its university, founded in 1506, which continues to attract students and researchers. You’ll find a mix of artisan shops and traditional workshops producing tin glazed pottery, echoing techniques from the late Renaissance. Staying in a boutique hotel can enhance the authenticity of your visit to Urbino, offering a unique and locally-immersive accommodation experience.

From the botanical garden to the quiet views over the valleys of Le Marche, the town combines beauty and intellect in perfect balance.

Urbino’s Intellectual Legacy

Urbino’s intellectual legacy is woven into every stone of its picturesque medieval aspect, perched on a high sloping hillside in the heart of the Marche region. As a World Heritage Site notable for its exceptional urban complex, Urbino stands as a living monument to the Italian Renaissance, where art, architecture, and scholarship flourished under the enlightened rule of Duke Federico da Montefeltro.

The vision of Duke Federico da Montefeltro transformed Urbino into a vibrant center of independent Renaissance culture. His patronage attracted artists, architects, and thinkers from across Europe, making the palazzo ducale—designed by Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini—a symbol of both power and refined taste. The palace’s harmonious proportions and innovative urban layout set a new standard for Renaissance city planning, inspiring generations to come.

At the heart of the historic centre, the National Gallery within the ducal palace houses an important collection of Renaissance paintings, including masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and works from the late Renaissance by Federico Barocci. These treasures reflect the town’s role as a crucible of creativity during the 15th century, when Urbino’s court rivaled those of Florence and Rome in artistic achievement.

The town’s main square, Piazza della Repubblica, remains a lively gathering place, echoing with the footsteps of students and scholars who continue Urbino’s academic tradition. As a renowned university town since 1506, Urbino’s intellectual spirit endures, with its university drawing minds from around the world to study amidst the city’s historic walls and elegant streets.

Architectural gems like the Urbino Cathedral and the enduring influence of the Della Rovere family further enrich the town’s remarkable historical legacy. From the intricate facades to the vibrant cultural life, Urbino’s blend of art, history, and learning is palpable at every turn.

Today, Urbino’s exceptional urban complex and its status as a World Heritage Site continue to attract visitors eager to experience the birthplace of Renaissance ideals. Whether exploring the palazzo ducale, admiring the city’s Renaissance art, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the main square, Urbino offers a unique window into the enduring brilliance of the Italian Renaissance.´

FAQ About Urbino, Italy

• What does the name Urbino mean?

  It derives from the Latin urbs, meaning “city,” symbolizing its ancient urban heritage.

• Why is Urbino famous?

  For its Ducal Palace, Federico da Montefeltro’s court, and as the birthplace of Raphael.

• Was Raphael born in Urbino?

  
  Yes. He was born here in 1483, in his family’s house, now a museum.

• Is Urbino, Italy worth visiting?

  Absolutely — it’s one of the most beautiful and intellectual towns in Italy, a World Heritage Site filled with Renaissance art.

• What region is Urbino in?

  Urbino is in the Marche region, a peaceful area between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea.

• Is Urbino a walkable city?

  Yes, although it’s steep. Most visitors explore on foot, especially the main square, cathedral, and Palazzo Ducale.

• How do I get to Urbino, Italy?

  Take a train to Pesaro and continue by bus or car. The journey through the rolling hills of Le Marche is part of the experience.