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There are an array of things to do in Italy, with Urbino sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled in the rolling hills of central Italy lies a charming medieval city, Urbino.
Awash with ancient architecture, meandering cobblestone streets, and a flourishing art scene, Urbino offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich Italian culture.
From exploring the stunning Ducal Palace to indulging in locally-sourced cuisine, Urbino is a beautiful tapestry of history, art, and beauty waiting to be unraveled.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Urbino:
1. Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is a stunning Renaissance palace located in the hilltop town of Urbino, in the Marche region of Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the many beautiful rooms of the palace, decorated with frescoes, paintings, and intricate architectural details.
Highlights include the Studiolo of Federico da Montefeltro, a small jewel-like room covered in inlaid wood and intricate trompe l’oeil paintings, and the impressive Sala del Trono, or Throne Room, with its ornate ceiling and intricate stucco decorations.
Don’t miss: One of the most fascinating parts of the palace is the Duke’s Apartments, where you can see how the rulers of Urbino lived in luxury and opulence.
The apartments include the bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom of Federico da Montefeltro, as well as the apartments of his wife, Battista Sforza, and their children.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid crowds, try to visit Palazzo Ducale early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
2. Galleria Nazionale delle Marche
Art museum located in the town of Urbino in the Marche region of Italy.
What to see or do: The museum is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by famous artists such as Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Titian, and Barocci.
Visitors can see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 14th to the 19th centuries.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly Raphael’s masterpiece, “La Muta”, a portrait of a young woman that many consider to be one of the greatest paintings in the world.
Insider travel tips: The museum is quite large, so plan to spend several hours exploring. There is a café on-site where you can grab a coffee or light meal.
Also, be sure to check out the impressive view of Urbino from the museum’s terrace.
3. Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista
Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista is a small and intimate chapel located in Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautifully detailed frescoes that cover the walls and ceiling of the chapel.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the artwork of the renowned Renaissance painter, Lorenzo Lotto, who created the frescoes in the oratory.
Insider travel tips: This attraction is not well-known among tourists, so it is a great spot to escape the crowds and take in some of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Be sure to check the hours of operation before visiting, as they can vary throughout the year.
4. Chiesa di San Bernardino
Chiesa di San Bernardino is a stunning church located in the picturesque city of Urbino in Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the beautiful façade of the church, adorned with intricate carvings and stunning decorations. Inside, the church boasts incredible frescoes that showcase the talent of Urbino’s famous painters.
The altar is also a sight to behold, featuring exquisite woodwork and sculptures.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the church is the San Bernardino Chapel, which houses the remains of the saint himself.
The chapel is adorned with fantastic works of art, and visitors can get up close to view the relics of San Bernardino, including his skull.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking to learn more about the rich history of the church and the city of Urbino, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to take you through the premises.
Also, don’t forget to dress modestly and appropriately when visiting the church. Finally, there is no admission fee, but donations are welcome to help maintain the church’s splendor.
5. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is a beautiful church located in the city of Urbino, Italy. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike due to its stunning architecture and historical significance.
What to see or do: Visitors to Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista can marvel at the church’s stunning façade, which features intricate details, sculptures, and frescoes depicting the life of St.
John the Baptist. Inside the church, visitors can see a striking marble altar, as well as various paintings and frescoes adorning the walls.
Don’t miss: One must-see feature of the church is the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, where visitors can see a beautiful painting by Federico Barocci depicting the Last Supper.
Insider travel tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista early in the morning or later in the day.
Also, be sure to dress modestly when visiting the church, as it is a place of worship.
Finally, take your time exploring the church’s many features and be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this historic landmark.
6. Piazza della Repubblica
A picturesque square in the historic center of Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Renaissance architecture of the buildings surrounding the square, including the Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral of Urbino. Take a stroll through the nearby pedestrian streets filled with shops and cafes.
Don’t miss: The Fontana del Ducato, a monumental fountain in the center of the square that was built in the 16th century.
Insider travel tips: Visit Piazza della Repubblica in the evening for a romantic atmosphere, with soft lighting that illuminates the buildings and the fountain.
For the best views of the square, climb up to the roof terrace of the Palazzo Ducale.
7. Oratorio di San Giuseppe
Oratorio di San Giuseppe is a small church located in the heart of the historic city of Urbino in Italy.
What to see or do: The Oratorio di San Giuseppe is known for its breathtaking ceiling fresco painted by Federico Barocci, a renowned Italian Renaissance artist.
The fresco depicts the life of Saint Joseph and is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Visitors can also admire the beautiful frescoes decorating the walls and the altar of the church.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see this hidden gem of Urbino.
The Oratorio di San Giuseppe is not one of the most popular tourist destinations, but its stunning art and architecture are definitely worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: – The Oratorio di San Giuseppe is located in the historic center of Urbino, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take some time to explore the rest of the city, including the famous Palazzo Ducale and the birthplace of the artist Raphael.
8. Museo Diocesano Albani
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful and exquisite collections of religious art and artifacts from the Renaissance period. The museum has a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and liturgical objects.
Don’t miss: The famous painting of the “Coronation of the Virgin” by the Italian early Renaissance painter, Luca Signorelli.
Insider travel tips: Ensure to explore all the rooms of the museum, as each has its own unique collection of art and artifacts. The museum is not massive, so you need only 1-2 hours to explore it fully.
9. Casa Natale di Raffaello
Birthplace and childhood home of famous Italian painter, Raffaello Sanzio.
What to see or do: Explore the small museum dedicated to the life and work of Raffaello, including reproductions of his most famous paintings. Admire the stunning building itself, which dates back to the 14th century.
Don’t miss: The chance to see the room where Raffaello was born, which has been beautifully restored to give an authentic feel of what life would have been like for the artist as a child.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the beautiful old town of Urbino and visit the nearby Palazzo Ducale, which houses many original works of art by Raffaello and other Renaissance masters.
10. Fontana di Raffaello
The Fontana di Raffaello is a stunning Renaissance fountain located in the historic city center of Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the intricate design and beautiful sculptures of the fountain, which features three main figures representing the three Graces of ancient Greek mythology.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the impressive water show, which takes place every hour on the hour during the daytime. The fountain’s water feature is perfectly choreographed with music and is a beautiful sight to see.
Insider travel tips: – To beat the crowds, visit the fountain early in the morning or later in the evening.
11. Museo Civico di Urbino
A museum located in the historic Renaissance town of Urbino in central Italy.
What to see or do: The museum’s collection includes a wide variety of art and artifacts, ranging from Renaissance paintings to ancient Roman sculptures. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries and learn about the history of Urbino and the surrounding region.
Don’t miss: The museum’s most famous piece is the painting “La Muta” by Raphael, which is a highlight of the Renaissance art collection.
Also, the Duke’s Palace is attached to the museum, and visitors can visit both with one ticket.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend at least a few hours in the museum, as there is a lot to see.
Be sure to take advantage of the guided tours, which offer a deeper insight into the history of the museum and the town of Urbino.
The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
12. Chiesa della Madonna del Duomo
Chiesa della Madonna del Duomo is a charming church located in the historic center of Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the church’s stunning Renaissance architecture and its beautiful interior decorations, which include frescoes and sculptures by renowned artists such as Federico Barocci and Francesco di Giorgio Martini.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb the church’s bell tower for a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops and rolling hills beyond.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the church early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds of tourists.
13. Rocca di Albornoz
An imposing fortress located in the historic city of Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Visit the museum inside the fortress to learn about the fascinating history of this iconic landmark, explore the various towers and ramparts, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding city and countryside.
Don’t miss: The Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) which offers stunning views of the sunset over the city.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved, and be sure to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the fortress.
Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours and heat.
14. Torre dell’Orologio
Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) is a historical landmark located in Urbino, Italy. It dates back to the Renaissance era and was built in the 16th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the tower to reach the top and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Urbino’s cityscape. The tower features a clock that has been running for over 400 years and still functions accurately to this day.
Visitors can also discover historical artifacts and exhibits inside the tower.
Don’t miss: The Clock Tower’s bell, also known as the Campanone, is a must-see attraction.
Every day at noon, it chimes 100 times to announce the start of lunchtime and the closure of the city gates.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds and long queues, visit Torre dell’Orologio in the early morning or late afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes because the climb to the top can be quite steep.
As a bonus, consider pairing your visit with a stroll through Urbino’s charming old town.
15. Teatro Sanzio
Historic theater in the center of Urbino, Italy.
What to see or do: Catch a performance or take a tour of the ornate interior and stage.
Don’t miss: Admiring the beautiful frescoes and intricate gold and red decorations on the walls and ceiling.
Insider travel tips: Book tickets to a performance in advance as they can sell out quickly. If taking a tour, make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning visuals inside.