Descrizione
Perched on the rolling hills of the Metauro Valley, Urbino appears like a sudden mirage, dominated by the majestic Ducal Palace, described in words inspired by the painter Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s father. The building, almost divine, stands out against the horizon, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape that embraces it.
The Ducal Palace is an icon of Italian Renaissance architecture commissioned by Duke Federico da Montefeltro. Built between 1444 and 1494, it is a masterpiece designed by illustrious architects such as Luciano Laurana, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Donato Bramante.
Federico da Montefeltro, as well as being a valiant military commander, was also a patron of the arts who transformed the Duchy of Urbino into a thriving cultural and artistic centre during his reign (1444–1482).
The building, of imposing dimensions and with a U-shaped layout, boasts a sandstone façade adorned with cornices, pilasters and windows. The main courtyard, surrounded by an elegant colonnaded portico, is renowned as one of the most evocative in Italy.
Inside, the palace houses an extraordinary art collection, comprising paintings, sculptures and tapestries of inestimable value. Among the most famous works are ‘The Flagellation of Christ’ by Piero della Francesca, ‘The Madonna of the Book’ by Giovanni Santi, and ‘The Portrait of Federico da Montefeltro’, also by Piero della Francesca. Particularly noteworthy is also ‘The Study of Federico da Montefeltro’.
In 1998, the Ducal Palace in Urbino was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its historical and artistic importance. Thanks to recent restoration work, the palace is now open to the public, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the magnificence of this extraordinary Renaissance monument.
