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Why You Should Visit Urbino in Le Marche

Years ago when I read abut the town of Urbino in Le Marche, I had an itching to visit. I wanted to see the hill top town ASAP because to me it looked right out of a history book! And that is probably one of the greatest reasons why you should visit Urbino in Le Marche.

Why Should You Visit Urbino in Le Marche

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A great vantage point!

 

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Outside Palazzo Ducale

1. It’s a Beautiful Hill Top Town

Don’t we all love Italian towns on hills?? Urbino is another perfectly preserved hill top town that you should add to your list. It is situated in the lesser Italian region called Le Marche and is absolutely beautiful! The drive towards Urbino is very surreal and no picture can do justice. I vividly recall the turn of the hill and gasping when I saw Urbino.

It almost seems unreal that a place like Urbino even exists.

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The Drive to Urbino

 

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The drive to Urbino

 

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The Stillness of Winter

2. You’ll be Away from the Crowds

One of the most important things to remember is that Urbino is a popular student town. The 16th century University of Urbino is a popular place of study in Italy. This Renaissance town is almost devoid of foreign travelers compared to its counterparts. You will find student crowd more, from across the globe coming to Urbino to study Literature, Languages, Law, Economics etc. 

Barely any tourists but a very youthful vibe!

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Books, books, books!

 

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An almost empty piazza

 

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#OnlyInItaly

 

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Didn’t I say it was empty??

3. It’s a Place of Historical Importance

Urbino is the home town of Raphael-the famous Italian artist and architect. Raphael’s home in Urbino is now a museum and houses important works of art. 

Urbino is also widely known because of the National Gallery of Le Marche in Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace). A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Ducal Palace includes the most famous Renaissance paintings in the world!

The “Ideal City” attributed to Piero della Francesca is also in the Ducal Palace.

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Palazzo Ducale

 

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Of Old School Atmosphere and Medieval Wells

 

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View from Ducale

4. You’ll Love Getting Lost in the Streets

The steeply made town of Urbino is nothing short of romantic as you find yourself navigating it’s narrow streets. Urbino has no modern buildings, so it’s porticoes and alleys give that old vibe that will completely charm you! 

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Where the Jews lived

 

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There’s no one here

5. It houses the Oratory of Saint John the Baptist

Another reason why you should visit Urbino is to see the wondrous 14th century Oratory of Saint John the Baptist. This chapel depicts Saint John’s life in late Gothic style. The frescoes here are grandly depicted by brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni. What is commendable that even now, after 600 years, they seem so life like!

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Scenic Oratory View

 

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Late Gothic depiction of Crucifixion

 

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The Life of Saint John

How to Reach:

Urbino is 36kms from Pesaro and can be reached by bus. Regular trains run from all major cities of Italy (Check Trenitalia for train options and here for Winter schedule) If you are looking to fly, Ancona and Rimini are the closest airports.

Although there are no dearth of hill top towns in Italy because of the diverse nature of the country, I highly recommend visiting Urbino! This beautiful walled town of Urbino is worth exploring.

Urbino is a page out a medieval fairy tale….A dreamy Winter destination.

Further Reading:

10 Charming Towns in Italy

5 Beautiful Towns beyond Cinque Terre

Are you enticed to visit Urbino?? Let me know in the comments!

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22 Comments

  • […] A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Urbino has a fairytale setting with gorgeous views and grand piazze such as Piazza Rinascimento and Piazza Duomo. To know more about Urbino check this post. […]

    Reply
  • […] After my trip to Urbino in 2018, I read a lot about this often overlooked Renaissance gem. It sort of completed the circle for me when I found June Osborne’s Urbino to my collection. This coffee table book is true to life and will make you long to visit the hill town of Urbino. You will almost feel the ambiance of this town as you sit at home with your glass of wine gazing at the exceptional imagery. […]

    Reply
  • Darina Confidus
    March 15, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    Incredible photos, looking at them, I kind of was there. Thanks for this opportunity! I’m impressed!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      March 18, 2020 at 9:16 am

      Thanks Darina. So glad I took you there for a few minutes!

      Reply
  • Cookingwithloveandspices
    November 10, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Beautiful photos. I have been to Remini so that gives me a point of reference.

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      November 10, 2019 at 8:27 pm

      Thank you Kamini. Hope you’re enjoying your trip to India xx

      Reply
  • LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia
    October 27, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    I love visiting charming towns like these, they have so much character! And the view of those hills is incredible!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      October 30, 2019 at 9:40 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Lulu!! We have very similar tastes. xx

      Reply
  • Stacy Pollard
    October 5, 2019 at 7:24 am

    It looks amazing! Definitely still on my list!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      October 5, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks so much Stacy. Hope all’s well cara mia.

      Reply
  • Pamela Allegretto
    October 2, 2019 at 11:21 pm

    Lovely post and photos.

    Reply
  • Rick Bailey
    October 1, 2019 at 7:57 pm

    Really nice post, Ishita. Urbino is amazing. Also, you have a really nice site. Complimenti!!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      October 5, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks Rick 🙂 I hope you enjoyed the other posts too.

      Reply
  • Francis Pettity
    September 30, 2019 at 1:47 am

    On Raphael’s house you might be interested in this I posted.
    https://longoio.wordpress.com/2014/05/03/giovanni-santis-son/

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      September 30, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      Thank you for sharing..I’ll have a look!

      Reply
  • Francis Pettitt
    September 30, 2019 at 1:39 am

    Yes I completely agree with your opinion on Urbino. It is indeed a fascinating city. I’ve written about it too at
    https://longoio.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/a-fairy-tale-palace-par-excellence/

    Reply
  • Lisa
    September 29, 2019 at 6:26 pm

    We visited Urbino for the first time last Easter. It really is stunning, the food is great, and, as you wrote, it is EMPTY! I can’t believe that such a beautiful town and area is so unknown!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      September 30, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      I know right?? It’s simply mind blowing 🙌 so glad we made it .

      Reply
  • Darlene Foster
    September 29, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    It looks like a fascinating place to visit. Will put it on the list. Thanks!! xo

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      September 29, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      When are you visiting next?? Please do and let me know 🙂

      Reply

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