Descrizione
Urbino Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is a Roman Catholic cathedral that stands majestically in the heart of this town in the Marche region. This imposing structure is a significant example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Urbino-Urbania-Sant’Angelo in Vado.
Its history dates back to 1021, when construction began on the site of a pre-existing Romanesque church. The work continued for some 500 years, culminating in a building of great magnificence.
The cathedral’s façade, built of sandstone, is distinguished by its elaborate decoration, with cornices, pilasters and windows framing the entrance portal, surmounted by a striking bas-relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin.
Inside, the cathedral’s single nave houses a myriad of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and tapestries of inestimable value. Among the most famous works are ‘The Madonna of Forgiveness’ by Giovanni Santi, ‘The Crucifixion’ by Federico Barocci and ‘The Resurrection of Lazarus’ by Taddeo Zuccari.
Furthermore, Urbino Cathedral houses two important sacred spaces: the Chapel of the Sacrament, built in the 16th century and decorated with frescoes by Federico Barocci, and the Oratory of the Grotto, dating from the 17th century and embellished with frescoes by Giovanni Battista Cipriani.
In 1902, the Cathedral was declared a national monument, highlighting its historical and artistic value. Thanks to recent restoration work, the cathedral has now reopened to the public, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of devotion and beauty that pervades this sacred place.
