In October, I'll be spending a few days at the monastery of Fonte Avellana in le Marches and then heading for Urbino before going north to Verona and Venice. I'm thinking it would be nice to spend a couple of nights in Urbino to have one full day and part of another. Too much time? Obviously I'm going for the Ducal palace and I figure that could occupy much of a day. I also love early Rennaisance art and have a particular fondness for Raphael (although I don't think much of his work is there??). I'd welcome your thoughts about how long to stay and things you enjoyed visiting in Urbino itself or in the area. Thanks
Posted by
Green Bay
20321 posts
"Kenneth Clark placed The 'Flagellation' in his personal list of the best ten paintings, calling it 'the greatest small painting in the world'."
This painting by Piero della Francesco is in Urbino.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2213 posts
We really love Urbino. Two weeks there comprised our first trip to Europe and hooked us forever! We've been back a couple of times since. You are correct that Raphael's "home" is in Urbino but not much of his art. Walk (climb) up Via Raffaello to the small park at the top and then over to the Parco della Resistenza for some great views back to the town. If it's still there, Castelli in Aria at Via Raffaello 59 is a wonderful gift shop (and we're not even shoppers). You can also walk to the Duke's mausoleum outside of town - should be nice in October.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Urbino is great. I had most of a day there but wished for more so you're amount seems pretty good.