Urbino’s Ducal Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, was the first ducal palace to be built in Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Duke Federico da Montefeltro. It was often called a palace-shaped city due to its large size, with 500 to 600 inhabitants, including the many servants required to administer it. The spacious underground rooms where the servants worked and lived have been renovated and open to the public. Below the palace were stables, kitchens, laundry rooms, the ice room used for refrigeration, and the duke’s baths, similar to Roman baths.
Duke Federico was a patron of the arts and devoted himself to the study of literature and the humanities. Unfortunately, his large collection of illuminated books and manuscripts were brought to the Vatican Museums in the 18th century. Although none of the original furniture and very little of the wall decoration remains, the highlight of a visit is the Duke’s original small study whose walls are covered with inlaid wood scenes depicting books, musical instruments, and sheet music. scientists, weapons and historical people. including Greek philosophers and Biblical people.
Near the studio there are two small chapels, the Temple of the Muses, painted by Santi, who was Raffaello’s father, and the Temple of Forgiveness.
National Gallery of the Marche Renaissance Art Collection
Since 1912, the Palazzo Ducale has been home to the National Gallery of the Marches, which houses one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world in 80 of the palace’s renovated rooms. The gallery displays many works of art from the 15th century that were originally found in churches throughout the Marches. There are two works by Piero della Francesca: Flagellation and Madonna di Senigallia .
The Renaissance painter Raphael (Raffaello) was from Urbino and several of his works are in the gallery. The 17th century tapestries in the great room depict scenes drawn by Raphael. You can also visit his home in the city, now a museum.
Other important works of art include crucifixes made by Giotto’s students and a room of Baroque paintings from the 17th century.
Palazzo Ducale visit information
Visit the Palace website for admission times and fees. The information is in Italian, but you will find a phone number and an email address. Tours are available in English.
Visiting Urbino
The Renaissance town of Urbino, a walled city in the central region of Marche, Italy, is well worth a visit. In the 15th century, Urbino attracted the best artists and academics and had a university in 1506. Urbino also became an important center for quality majolica and you will find many shops in the city. The historic center of Urbino is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The duke also had a summer palace in Urbania, a medieval walled city near Urbino that is also worth a visit.
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