Family Adventure in the Heart of Renaissance Italy: Exploring Urbino

Whispers of History and Art in Urbino

Today was a day of delving deep into the heart of Urbino, a journey that intertwined the city's rich spiritual history with its vibrant artistic soul. With Isabela and Mateus by my side, I set out to explore the hidden corners and grand landmarks that define this Renaissance gem. Our day was filled with moments of awe, reflection, and the simple joy of discovering beauty in unexpected places.

Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Camera A Sud. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of local pastries filled the air. The cozy atmosphere was the perfect start to a day dedicated to exploring Urbino's artistic and religious heritage. It's amazing how a simple breakfast can set the tone for a day filled with exploration and discovery. I remember similar mornings in Ouro Preto, where the scent of pão de queijo always signaled the start of a new adventure.

After breakfast, our first stop was the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista. This small chapel, tucked away on Via Francesco Barocci, is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Urbino's medieval past. As we stepped inside, we were immediately transported back in time by the stunning late Gothic frescoes that adorn the walls. Painted in 1416 by the brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni, these frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, and their vibrant colors and intricate details are truly captivating. Isabela, with her keen eye for art, was particularly fascinated by the Madonna dell'Umiltà and the Crucifixion, while Mateus was intrigued by the stories of St. John's life. The oratory itself dates back to the 14th century, built by the confraternity of St. John in Urbino, founded in 1350, and still in existence. The frescoes are an extraordinary witness to the artistic environment in the region of Marche and its affinity to the international Gothic influences.


Discover the enchanting Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista in Urbino, a captivating Catholic church adorned with stunning frescoes and rich history.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Leaving the Oratorio, we made our way to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Urbino's grand cathedral. The cathedral's history is as layered as the frescoes we had just seen. Originally built in the early medieval period, it was rebuilt in the 15th century by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, with designs attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini. However, earthquakes in the late 18th century caused significant damage, leading to a neoclassical reconstruction by Giuseppe Valadier. As we stepped inside, we were struck by the cathedral's soaring ceilings and elegant design. The interior is adorned with paintings, sculptures, and liturgical furnishings that reflect Urbino's artistic heritage from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Isabela was particularly drawn to Federico Barocci's *Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian*, a powerful and moving work of art. I found myself admiring the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, marveling at the gilded stucco work and the paintings by artists from the School of Federico Barocci. Mateus, ever curious, was fascinated by the stories of the saints and the history of the cathedral itself.


Discover the exquisite beauty and rich history of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Urbino, a must-visit destination for culture and architecture lovers.

For lunch, we ventured to Taverna degli Artisti, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Urbino cuisine. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the menu featured a variety of local specialties. I opted for the passatelli ai porcini, a hearty pasta dish with mushrooms, while Isabela chose the ravioli speck e noci, a delicate pasta with speck and walnuts. Mateus, of course, went for the classic tagliatelle al ragu. Each dish was a celebration of local flavors, and we savored every bite. The location is fantastic for enjoying delicious typical dishes.


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

After lunch, we decided to take a stroll to the Urbino viewpoint, a spot that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. As we walked, we passed through Urbino's charming cobblestone streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this Renaissance town. The viewpoint itself was breathtaking, offering a sweeping vista of Urbino's rooftops, towers, and rolling hills. I took several photos, trying to capture the beauty of the scene. It was a moment of pure joy, sharing the beauty of Urbino with my family. I imagined showing these photos to my friends back in Kingston, hoping to inspire them to visit this hidden gem.


Experience the enchanting beauty of Urbino from the stunning viewpoint, where breathtaking landscapes meet rich historical heritage.

As the afternoon waned, we made our way to La Terrazza del Duca Urbino for dinner. This restaurant is known for its stunning terrace, which offers views of the Ducal Palace and the surrounding landscape. As we sat down, we were immediately captivated by the beauty of the scene. The Ducal Palace, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, looked like something out of a fairy tale. The food was equally impressive, with a menu that featured a mix of traditional and modern Italian dishes. I chose a local fish, prepared with herbs and olive oil, while Isabela opted for a pasta dish with seafood. Mateus, ever adventurous, tried a pizza with local cheese and ham. The meal was a perfect ending to a day filled with beauty and discovery.


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

After dinner, we decided to experience Urbino's nightlife at the Urbino Jazz Club. The club is a cozy and intimate venue that hosts live music performances throughout the year. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the sounds of a local jazz band, and the atmosphere was electric. I ordered a glass of local wine, while Isabela chose a cocktail. Mateus, surprisingly, was captivated by the music, tapping his feet and nodding his head to the beat. The Urbino Jazz Club is more active in locations outside its own walls, and with a growing membership and connections to nearby towns like Urbania, the club has been organizing concerts and events in satellite locations around the Montefeltro region. The conductor was a famous jazz accordion player, ad-libber and showman, Simone Zanchini.


Discover the soul of jazz in Urbino at the Urbino Jazz Club, where live music and vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

As the music filled the air, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. We had explored Urbino's spiritual heart, admired its artistic treasures, and savored its culinary delights. It was a day that had brought us closer together as a family, and had deepened our appreciation for the beauty and history of Italy. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Isabela and Mateus, and I knew that these memories would stay with us for a lifetime. What a splendid volcanic note that shook the 500-year-old wood beams overhead for at least a minute!

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Parco della Resistenza, the Historic Centre (Unesco), and the Chiesa di San Bernardino. I'm particularly excited about the Parco della Resistenza, as I've heard it offers unbeatable views of Urbino. We'll also explore the Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Chiesa di San Bernardino, a beautiful church with a rich history. Before dinner at Ristorante Vecchia Urbino, Isabela wants to visit Mon Petit Monde to buy some souvenirs. I'm sure it will be another day filled with adventure and discovery, and I can't wait to share it with you all.

As we walked back to our accommodation, the stars twinkled above us, casting a magical glow over Urbino. The air was cool and crisp, and the sounds of the city had quieted down. I took a deep breath, savoring the moment, and felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. Urbino, with its beauty and history, had truly captured our hearts.

I am looking forward to tomorrow and new adventures!