Family Adventure in the Heart of Renaissance Italy: Exploring Urbino

Whispers of the Renaissance

Today in Urbino was a day of gentle exploration, a serene counterpoint to the bustling adventures we've had so far. With Isabela, Mateus, and I in tow, we set out to uncover some of the city's quieter corners, places where the echoes of the Renaissance feel particularly palpable. It's amazing how each day here reveals a new facet of this remarkable city.

Our first stop was the Chiesa di San Bernardino, a short drive from the city center. The church sits on a gentle rise, offering a tranquil view of the surrounding countryside. It was commissioned by Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino, as his mausoleum. The architecture, attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini, is simple yet elegant, a testament to the Renaissance ideals of harmony and proportion. Stepping inside, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The interior is bathed in soft light, highlighting the clean lines and understated decorations. It's a place that invites contemplation, a space where you can almost hear the whispers of history.


Explore the serene Chiesa di San Bernardino, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and a tranquil retreat in the heart of Urbino, Italy.

The sarcophagi of Federico and his son, Guidobaldo, stand as silent guardians of this sacred space. Mateus, with his boundless curiosity, was fascinated by the tombs. I tried to explain the significance of Federico's patronage of the arts and his role in transforming Urbino into a cultural hub. It's moments like these, sharing my passion for history with my son, that make these family trips so special. Isabela, ever the pragmatist, reminded us that we needed to keep an eye on the time if we wanted to see everything on our list for the day.

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

Next, we headed back towards the city center to visit the Teatro Comunale D. Bramante. However, I quickly realized I had made a mistake in my planning. The Teatro Comunale D. Bramante is actually located in Urbania, which is a bit of a drive from Urbino. I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I pride myself on meticulous planning, and this oversight was a glaring error. Apologizing to my family, I explained the situation. Isabela, ever the understanding one, simply smiled and suggested we improvise. Mateus, unfazed as always, just wanted to know if there was gelato involved in the revised plan. So, with a shrug and a promise of a sweet treat, we decided to embrace the unexpected detour and adjust our plans.

Instead, we made our way to the Piazza Mercatale, a large, open square that once served as the city's marketplace. Designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini in the 15th century, the piazza offers a different perspective on Urbino. It's a place of everyday life, where locals gather to chat, children play, and vendors sell their wares. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Porta Valbona, one of the city's original gates, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We strolled through the piazza, soaking in the atmosphere. Mateus, true to his word, made a beeline for a gelato stand, while Isabela and I browsed the local shops. I picked up a beautiful hand-painted ceramic plate, a memento of our time in Urbino.


Experience the vibrant culture and history of Urbino at Piazza Mercatale, a lively square filled with local shops, cafes, and stunning architecture.

For lunch, we decided to try Posta Vecchia, a restaurant recommended for its traditional Urbino cuisine. The reviews were glowing, praising the quality of the food and the charming atmosphere. We weren't disappointed. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with exposed brick walls and rustic wooden tables. The menu featured a variety of local specialties, and we decided to try a little bit of everything. The *crescia*, a local flatbread, was particularly delicious, as was the handmade pasta with *ragu*. Even Mateus, usually a picky eater, devoured his plate of *gnocchi*. The service was friendly and attentive, and we felt like we were dining with old friends. It was the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a morning of exploring.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Posta Vecchia in Urbino – a culinary gem perfect for every food lover.

In the evening, after a brief rest at our *airbnb*, we ventured out for dinner at Ristorante Il Castello. Tucked away on a side street near the Ducal Palace, this restaurant exuded a classic Italian charm. The atmosphere was elegant yet welcoming, and the menu featured traditional Umbrian dishes with a modern twist. I opted for the truffle risotto, while Isabela chose the roasted rabbit. Mateus, of course, went for the pizza. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It was the perfect ending to a memorable day.


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

Before heading back, we stopped at L'HOST: wine beer & something else for a nightcap. This cozy bar offered a great selection of local wines and craft beers. It was a relaxed and friendly spot, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I sampled a local red wine, while Isabela opted for a craft beer. Mateus, surprisingly, was content with a glass of sparkling water. As we sat there, sipping our drinks and chatting, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the minor hiccup with the Teatro Comunale, today had been a resounding success. We had discovered hidden gems, savored delicious food, and created lasting memories.


Discover L'HOST in Urbino: A cozy bar offering an exquisite selection of local wines and craft beers in a vibrant atmosphere.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Porta Santa Lucia, Museo Lapidario, and Presepe di Urbino. I'm particularly excited about the Presepe, as I've heard it's a unique and fascinating display. I'm also looking forward to trying Amici Miei Ristorante Pizzeria for breakfast, Ristorante Il Girarrosto - Urbino for lunch, and Ristorante Nenè for dinner. And, of course, we'll be sure to check out Star Shop Urbino for some souvenirs. I'm excited to see what other adventures await us in this charming Renaissance city. I think Mateus is very excited about this, as he has been asking to go shopping for a while now.

As I reflect on our time in Urbino, I'm struck by the city's ability to surprise and delight. It's a place where history comes alive, where art and culture are woven into the fabric of everyday life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, and I know that these memories will stay with us long after we've left.

Ciao for now!