Exploring the Renaissance Charm of Urbino with My Spouse

Urbino's Hidden Charms Unveiled

Today was a day of diving deeper into the heart of Urbino, a place where history and art seem to breathe through every cobblestone. Aisha and I set out with a sense of excitement, ready to explore some of the town's lesser-known treasures. It’s amazing how much richer a place becomes when you wander off the beaten path, discovering stories that aren’t always shouted from the rooftops.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante Pizzeria Locanda Del Blasone. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee was the perfect start. Aisha, ever the early bird, was already researching the restaurant's history. Apparently, it's known for its traditional Marchigiano cuisine. I opted for a simple yet satisfying breakfast of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, while Aisha enjoyed a plate of *pappardelle*. The friendly atmosphere and delicious food set a positive tone for the day ahead.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Pizzeria Locanda Del Blasone in Urbino—where every meal tells a delicious story.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Chiesa di San Bernardino, a church located a little outside the main city center. The walk itself was a treat, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The church, with its simple yet elegant design, stands as a testament to the architectural genius of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The peacefulness of the location was striking; it felt like a world away from the bustling streets of Urbino. Inside, the church exuded a sense of calm and reverence, inviting quiet contemplation.


Explore the Chiesa di San Bernardino, a stunning Renaissance church in Urbino, Italy, showcasing exquisite art and historical significance.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world, away from the clamor and the crowds.

As we wandered through the church, I couldn't help but reflect on the vision of Federico da Montefeltro, who commissioned this church as a mausoleum for his family. It’s fascinating how personal legacies can shape the landscape of an entire region. Aisha, with her nursing background, was particularly moved by the sense of peace and healing that seemed to permeate the space. We spent a good hour there, simply soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the art.

Next on our itinerary was the Museo Lapidario, a hidden gem located within the Palazzo Ducale. This museum houses a remarkable collection of ancient inscriptions, statues, and reliefs. As a software engineer, I’m naturally drawn to patterns and codes, and the intricate carvings on these ancient stones felt like a different kind of programming language. The museum's collection, originally curated by Cardinal Giovan Francesco Stoppani, offered a fascinating glimpse into the past. Aisha was particularly intrigued by a relief in purple porphyry depicting Ulysses tied to the mast of his ship, resisting the song of the Sirens. The stories these stones could tell! We spent a couple of hours wandering through the halls, marveling at the craftsmanship and the history etched in stone.


Discover the rich history of Urbino at Museo Lapidario, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

After immersing ourselves in history, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We stumbled upon Emozioni in legno - rivenditore autorizzato artigianato italiano, a charming shop filled with handcrafted wooden toys, souvenirs, and home décor items. As someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, I was immediately drawn to the intricate details and the obvious care that went into each piece. Aisha, always on the lookout for unique gifts for our children, Tunde and Funke, found a beautiful wooden music box for Funke and a chess set for Tunde. I picked up a small wooden sculpture of a Renaissance scholar, a memento of our time in Urbino. The shop owner was a friendly local artisan, passionate about his craft, and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation about the importance of preserving traditional skills.


Discover unique handcrafted wooden treasures at Emozioni in Legno, a premier craft store in Urbino showcasing Italian artistry.

By this point, our stomachs were starting to rumble again, so we headed to La Terrazza del Duca Urbino for lunch. The restaurant, as the name suggests, boasts a stunning terrace with panoramic views of the Palazzo Ducale. Dining with such a view was an experience in itself! I ordered the *fonduta* and Aisha opted for the *cheesecake*. The food was delicious, the service impeccable, and the ambiance simply magical. It was the perfect spot to relax and recharge before continuing our exploration of Urbino. The pleasant weather made the experience even more enjoyable. It's moments like these, sharing good food and beautiful scenery with my wife, that make travel so rewarding.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Terrazza del Duca Urbino - where delicious pizzas meet fresh seafood amidst stunning views.

In the late afternoon, we decided to take a break from sightseeing and unwind at Caffè Raffaello. This cozy café, located in the heart of Urbino, is known for its excellent coffee and its relaxed atmosphere. We ordered a couple of cappuccinos and sat outside, watching the world go by. It was a perfect opportunity to reflect on our day and plan our next adventure. Aisha, ever the social butterfly, struck up a conversation with a local artist who shared some interesting insights into Urbino's art scene.


Discover the essence of Italian wine culture at Caffè Raffaello, a cozy wine bar in the heart of Urbino, offering exquisite wines and delightful local dishes.

As evening approached, we made our way to Ristorante Il Castello for dinner. This restaurant, located near the Palazzo Ducale, is known for its traditional Urbino cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I decided to try the *coniglio lardellato* (larded rabbit), a local specialty, while Aisha opted for the *crescia di Urbino*. Both dishes were delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The restaurant also had a good selection of local wines, which we sampled with great enthusiasm.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Il Castello in Urbino - where tradition meets flavor in a stunning historical setting.

Reflecting on the day, I realized that Urbino is more than just a pretty town; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of art, history, and culture. From the serene beauty of the Chiesa di San Bernardino to the ancient wonders of the Museo Lapidario, every corner of this town has a story to tell. And as we prepare for tomorrow's adventure to the Grotte di Frasassi and Parco Naturale Regionale Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this magical place with my wonderful wife.

Tomorrow, we're planning a day trip a bit further afield. We'll be exploring the Grotte di Frasassi, which I hear are absolutely stunning caves, and then spending some time in the Parco Naturale Regionale Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi. Aisha is particularly excited about the caves, as she's always been fascinated by geology. I'm looking forward to the hike in the park; it will be a nice change of pace after all the city exploring. We'll be sure to grab breakfast at Ristorante Pizzeria Locanda Della Stazione Urbino before we head out, and we're planning to have lunch at Camera A Sud. For dinner, we're thinking of trying Il Buco..la Bottega della Pizza e Cresceria... dal 1954. It sounds like a great place to sample some local pizza. And of course, we'll need to find a nice bar for an evening drink. Bar Il Caffe' Degli Amici sounds promising. Before heading back to our accommodation, we might also stop by Grifa for a bit of shopping.

Urbino continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!