Urbino, Raffaello e il territorio del Montefeltro

Raphael and the lands of Montefeltro

Raffaello e Urbino: la formazione giovanile e i rapporti con Urbino che non fu solo la città natale di Raffaello, ma determinò in modo significativo la sua formazione, restando per tutta la sua vita un punto di riferimento essenziale.

Urbino

The visitor arriving at Urbino will find a city which conserves intact its historic urban layout, dating back to the Renaissance period; but at the same time it provides a modern centre for cultural events at international level. It was through the brilliant political and cultural vision of Duke Federico of Montefeltro, the enlightened 15th century ruler, that an anonymous, harsh landscape was transformed into a clearly identifiable historical area - a vital stopping point on the itinerary of anyone wishing to explore an essential aspect of civilization..

Further info on: www.urbinoculturaturismo.it

San Leo and its Fortress

San Leo is build upon a pointed rock, surrounded by sheer cliffs in a landscape which drops gradually downwards from the Apennines toward the sea, blending together history and legend, sacred and profane, fearsome dungeons and tranquil churches. It was a Sacred Altar to the Gods when Saint Leo arrived in the 3rd century: this, he thought, would be the ideal place for preaching Christianity, and from here it spread throughout the area, later becoming the diocese of Montefeltro, the city’s original name.

Sassocorvaro and its Castle

The Sassocorvaro Castle, situated in the town’s centre, was built by Count Ottaviano degli Ubaldini, step-brother of Duke Federico II da Montefeltro. In honor of Count Ottaviano the castle is known as the Rocca Ubaldinesca. It was one of the first works carried out by the great architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, who was also responsible for rebuilding the Fortress at San Leo and the Ducal Palace in Urbino.

Urbania

The city is situated on a bend along the River Metauro, at the centre of the area known geographically as Montefeltro. Urbania, known as "la BELLA", was originally known in the Renaissance also by the name of Casteldurante. Lying 17 Km away from URBINO, Urbania is well known as one of Italy’s POTTERY cities. Training courses for all levels are held here. The city has many churches which can be visited and explored; the most original and macabre of these being the "Chiesa dei Morti" (Church of the Dead), with its Gothic portal and eerie “Cemetery of Mummies”.