A Romantic Renaissance Getaway in Urbino

Whispers of the Renaissance

Today was a day of wandering, of letting Urbino reveal its secrets to us. It's funny how sometimes the best travel experiences are the unplanned ones, where you simply allow yourself to get lost in the atmosphere of a place. Urbino, with its steep cobblestone streets and honey-colored buildings, is certainly a place where getting lost is a pleasure.

Our day began, as most good days do, with breakfast. We ventured out to La Casa Del Pane, a local bakery that came highly recommended. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafted out onto the street, beckoning us inside. I opted for a simple *focaccia*, while Hans-Peter chose a *piadina*. Both were absolutely delicious, the perfect way to start our day exploring Urbino. I must admit, being in Italy has made me realize how much I appreciate good bread; it’s a staple I often take for granted back in Berlin.


Experience the best of Urbino's culinary scene at La Casa Del Pane with gourmet burgers, fresh-baked goods, and irresistible cakes.

With our stomachs full, we set off to explore the Historic Centre (Unesco), a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the architecture. Every building seemed to whisper stories of the past, of dukes and artists, of a time when Urbino was a vibrant hub of culture and learning. The warm May sun cast long shadows, highlighting the intricate details of the facades. I made sure to take lots of photos, eager to capture the essence of this beautiful place.


Explore Urbino's Historic Centre, a UNESCO gem rich in Renaissance art, captivating architecture, and vibrant culture, perfect for every traveler seeking history and charm.

Urbino is a place where art, culture, and history blend in a unique atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to explore a UNESCO site of extraordinary beauty and historical significance.

Our first official stop was the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista. Tucked away on Via Barocci, this small chapel is easy to miss, but it’s a true hidden gem. Built in the 14th century, it's renowned for its late Gothic frescoes by the brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The walls were covered in vibrant scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, their colors still remarkably vivid after all these centuries.


Discover the serene Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista, a hidden gem in Urbino featuring stunning Renaissance art and a peaceful atmosphere.

The frescoes, dating back to 1416, were truly captivating. I found myself particularly drawn to the detailed depictions of daily life in 15th-century Urbino. The Salimbeni brothers had a remarkable ability to capture human emotion and expression, making the scenes feel incredibly lifelike. Hans-Peter, with his architectural eye, was fascinated by the way the artists had used perspective and light to create a sense of depth and space. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience, and I felt grateful to have discovered this hidden treasure.

After the oratory, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. We stumbled upon Liliana Martinez - Artigianato Artistico, a charming shop filled with unique, handcrafted treasures. Liliana Martinez and Ruben create beautiful pieces in ceramic and colored metals. I was particularly taken by a delicate ceramic bowl painted with vibrant floral motifs. It would make a perfect addition to our kitchen back in Berlin, a little reminder of our time in Urbino. Hans-Peter, meanwhile, admired a collection of intricately designed metal sculptures. We ended up buying the ceramic bowl, a small but meaningful souvenir.


Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at Liliana Martinez - Artigianato Artistico in Urbino, where local artisans bring creativity to life.

For lunch, we chose Taverna degli Artisti, a restaurant recommended for its traditional local cuisine. The *taverna* was cozy and inviting, with exposed brick walls and rustic wooden tables. We started with *antipasto*, a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, accompanied by crusty bread and *olive* oil. For my main course, I opted for *passatelli ai porcini*, a traditional pasta dish with *porcini* mushrooms. Hans-Peter chose *ravioli speck e noci*, ravioli with *speck* and walnuts. Both dishes were absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The service was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Taverna degli Artisti in Urbino – where every meal is a celebration of culinary artistry.

As we savored our meal, we chatted about our plans for tomorrow. We intend to visit the Museo Diocesano Albani and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, eager to delve deeper into Urbino's rich history and art. Hans-Peter is particularly excited about the Museo Diocesano, as he has a keen interest in religious art and artifacts. I'm looking forward to seeing the cathedral, with its impressive architecture and stunning views of the city. We also plan to visit L'HOST: wine beer & something else, a local bar, for a relaxing evening drink.

With the afternoon sun beginning to wane, we made our way to Osteria Km 0 for dinner. This *osteria* prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, and you could certainly taste the freshness and quality in every dish. I decided on *tagliatelle al ragù*, while Hans-Peter tried the zuppa with pumpkin and potatoes. The *tagliatelle* was rich and flavorful, and Hans-Peter thoroughly enjoyed his soup. The owner, a warm and welcoming woman, made us feel like we were dining in her own home. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Osteria Km 0 in Urbino – where local ingredients meet traditional recipes.

As we strolled back to Hotel Raffaello, hand in hand, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Urbino had captured my heart with its beauty, its history, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a place that invites you to slow down, to savor the moment, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. And as I drifted off to sleep, I knew that tomorrow would bring even more wonderful discoveries. I am so glad Hans-Peter and I decided to take this trip.


Discover the charm of Urbino at Hotel Raffaello, where comfort meets convenience in a centrally located haven for travelers and tourists.

I also saw that the UrbinoInAcquerello Festival is happening this month. It seems like there is always something going on here, which is wonderful.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley