Family Adventure in the Heart of Renaissance Italy: Exploring Urbino

Echoes of the Past in Urbino

Today was a day of diving deep into Urbino's historical heart, exploring sites that whispered tales of centuries past. It's days like these that remind me why I love blending my passion for travel with my expertise in historical building restoration. Seeing how different cultures preserve and present their history is always fascinating, and Urbino certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Amici Miei Ristorante Pizzeria. I enjoyed a cappuccino and a *crescia*, a local flatbread, while Mateus devoured a mountain of *Nutella* pancakes. Isabela, ever the health-conscious one, opted for fresh fruit and yogurt. Fueled up, we were ready to explore.

Our first stop was Porta Santa Lucia. Walking through this ancient gateway, I couldn’t help but imagine all the travelers, merchants, and soldiers who had passed through it over the centuries. The stones seemed to hum with stories. The gate itself is quite impressive, and I took several photos, trying to capture its weathered beauty. Mateus, of course, was more interested in climbing on the nearby walls, pretending to be a knight defending the city. It’s moments like these, seeing the world through his eyes, that make our family trips so special.


Discover the historical charm of Porta Santa Lucia, a majestic gateway to Urbino's rich Renaissance heritage and vibrant local culture.

To walk through Urbino is to walk through the heart of the Renaissance, where every stone and every corner tells a story of art, power, and human ingenuity.

From Porta Santa Lucia, we made our way to the Museo Lapidario, housed within the Ducal Palace. As a historical building restoration consultant, I was particularly excited about this visit. The museum's collection of ancient inscriptions, marble slabs, and funerary monuments offered a tangible connection to Urbino's Roman past. I spent a considerable amount of time examining the intricate carvings and trying to decipher the Latin inscriptions. Isabela, with her teacher's eye, helped Mateus understand the significance of each artifact. He was particularly fascinated by a marble relief depicting a Roman battle scene. I found myself drawn to the stories etched in stone, each piece a testament to the lives and beliefs of those who came before us. The way the museum was organized, preserving the atmosphere of the 18th century, was particularly interesting to me.


Explore the ancient wonders at Museo Lapidario in Urbino, a must-visit museum showcasing exquisite artifacts and rich history.

Lunch was at Ristorante Il Girarrosto, where we savored traditional Italian fare. I had the *vincisgrassi*, a local version of lasagna, while Isabela enjoyed a fresh salad with grilled chicken. Mateus, predictably, ordered pizza. The restaurant had a lovely outdoor seating area, and we enjoyed watching the world go by as we ate.

After lunch, we visited the Presepe di Urbino, a stunning Nativity scene created in the 16th century by Federico Brandani. This wasn't just any Nativity scene; it was a life-sized, stucco masterpiece housed in the Oratory of San Giuseppe. The figures were incredibly lifelike, and the setting, a grotto made of tufa stone, added to the sense of realism. I was particularly struck by the attention to detail, from the folds in the shepherds' robes to the expressions on their faces. Mateus was mesmerized by the scene, asking questions about each of the figures. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the story of Christmas with him in such a unique and beautiful setting.


Discover the enchanting Presepe di Urbino, a captivating tourist attraction showcasing exquisite nativity scenes in the heart of historic Urbino, Italy.

Before dinner, we popped into Star Shop Urbino. Mateus, a huge fan of comic books, was in heaven. He spent a good hour browsing the shelves, eventually settling on a *Spider-Man* comic in Italian. I picked up a few postcards to send to friends back home in Kingston.


Explore the colorful universe of comics at Star Shop Urbino, where every page turned opens up a new adventure in a charming setting.

For our final meal of the day, we dined at Ristorante Nenè. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the food was excellent. I had the *tagliatelle al ragu*, a classic Bolognese dish, while Isabela opted for the grilled sea bass. Mateus, still riding high from his comic book purchase, happily devoured a plate of spaghetti carbonara. As we ate, we reflected on the day's adventures, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience Urbino's rich history and culture together as a family.


Discover Ristorante Nenè in Urbino for authentic Italian cuisine amid stunning Renaissance architecture.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, we made our way back to our accommodation. The day had been long but incredibly rewarding. Urbino had captivated us with its beauty and history, leaving us with memories that we would cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, our last day in Urbino, we plan to visit the Scalinata del pozzo della polenta, Porta Valbona, and the Walls, hoping to soak in a bit more of this charming city before we head back to Rome. We might even stop by The Bosom Pub for a nightcap. It's bittersweet, knowing our adventure is coming to an end, but I'm already looking forward to sharing more stories from our travels with you all. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to practice my *Bossa Nova* on the guitar before bedtime. *Ciao!*