Family Adventure in the Heart of Renaissance Italy: Exploring Urbino

Adieu, Urbino!

As our family adventure in Urbino draws to a close, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. This hilltop city, a jewel of the Renaissance, has captured our hearts with its stunning architecture, rich history, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Today, our final day, was a culmination of all the experiences we've gathered over the past week, a final opportunity to soak in the unique charm of Urbino before we pack our bags and head back to Kingston. It’s amazing how a place can feel like home in such a short amount of time.

Our day began, as many others did, with a delightful breakfast at Il Grottino. The friendly staff welcomed us warmly, and we enjoyed a simple yet satisfying meal of pastries and strong Italian coffee. Mateus, of course, opted for a larger-than-necessary pastry, his eyes wide with morning excitement. It's these little moments, sharing a meal and planning our day, that I cherish the most when traveling with my family.


Discover the authentic taste of Italy at Il Grottino in Urbino—where traditional cuisine meets warm hospitality.

With our bellies full, we set out to explore the Scalinata del pozzo della polenta. While perhaps not as famous as other landmarks, this staircase offered a glimpse into the everyday life of Urbino. As we climbed, we imagined the countless people who had walked these steps before us, their stories woven into the very stones beneath our feet. The legend of the well and the polenta added a whimsical touch to our exploration, a reminder that history is not just about grand events, but also about the small, quirky tales that make a place unique. According to the tale, a man carrying a sack of flour tripped and fell, spilling his goods into the well.


Explore the enchanting Scalinata del Pozzo della Polenta, a historical staircase in Corinaldo, Italy, offering stunning views and rich cultural experiences.

Urbino, with its blend of history, art, and simple pleasures, has left an indelible mark on our hearts, a place we will always remember fondly.

Next on our itinerary was the Porta Valbona, one of the main gates that guard the entrance to Urbino. As a historical building restoration consultant, I couldn't help but marvel at the gate's architecture and its role in the city's defenses over the centuries. The gate, rebuilt in 1621, stands as a testament to Urbino's enduring spirit and its ability to adapt and evolve while still preserving its historical identity. Isabela was particularly fascinated by the details of the gate, pointing out the subtle carvings and the way the stones had weathered over time. It’s moments like these that remind me how much I appreciate sharing these experiences with her; her perspective always adds a new layer to my own understanding.


Discover the enchanting Porta Valbona in Urbino, Italy—a historical gateway to Renaissance art, architecture, and culture.

From Porta Valbona, we strolled along the Walls of Urbino, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The walls, which date back to Roman times, have been expanded and reinforced over the centuries, a reflection of Urbino's strategic importance. As we walked, I imagined the soldiers who once stood guard here, protecting the city from invaders. It's a humbling experience to stand in a place that has witnessed so much history, to feel the weight of the past all around you. The original walls protected a small urban area in the hills, and Leonardo da Vinci himself designed some of the walls during a radical rebuilding campaign.


Explore the historic Walls of Corinaldo, a breathtaking monument offering stunning views and a journey through Italy's medieval past.

For lunch, we decided to try Ristorante CNF: Chick•N•Fries - Urbino, a modern spot that offered a different take on Italian cuisine. While I usually prefer traditional fare, I was curious to see what this place had to offer. The verdict? It was surprisingly good! The chicken was crispy and flavorful, and the fries were perfectly cooked. Even Mateus, who can be a picky eater, gave it his seal of approval. It was a fun and casual meal, a nice change of pace from the more formal dining experiences we'd had earlier in the week. It's always interesting to see how different cultures adapt and innovate, even in the realm of fast food. CNF uses chicken from the hills of Marche, and fresh cut Dutch potatoes.


Experience delicious fast food at Ristorante CNF in Urbino - where chicken and fries meet exceptional flavor!

In the afternoon, we took some time to simply wander through the streets of Urbino, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the last few hours of our trip. We stopped to admire the architecture, browse the shops, and watch the locals go about their daily lives. It's these simple moments of observation that often provide the most profound insights into a place and its people. I particularly enjoyed watching the students from the Università degli Studi di Urbino, their youthful energy adding a vibrant touch to the city. I remember my own university days in Ouro Preto, Brazil, the excitement of learning and the sense of endless possibilities. It’s a feeling I hope Mateus will experience one day.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to The Bosom Pub for a pre-dinner drink. This cozy bar had a welcoming atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with the friendly bartenders and locals. I ordered a glass of local wine, while Isabela opted for a refreshing Aperol spritz. Mateus, of course, was happy with a simple lemonade. It was a perfect way to unwind and reflect on our time in Urbino, to savor the last few moments of our adventure.


Experience the charm of Urbino at The Bosom Pub, where delightful drinks and a cozy atmosphere await travelers seeking relaxation and good company.

For our final dinner in Urbino, we chose Osteria al Tre, a charming restaurant known for its traditional cuisine and warm hospitality. We started with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by homemade pasta dishes that were bursting with flavor. For my main course, I had the grilled lamb, which was cooked to perfection. Isabela chose the sea bass, which she declared to be the best she'd ever had. Mateus, predictably, ordered pizza. The panna cotta was delicious, and the staff was very friendly.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Osteria al Tre in Urbino – where every pizza tells a story.

As we savored our meal, we talked about our favorite moments from the trip. Mateus loved exploring the Ducal Palace and imagining what it must have been like to live in Renaissance times. Isabela was particularly impressed by the art and architecture, the way the city seamlessly blended history and beauty. For me, it was the overall experience, the opportunity to share this amazing place with my family and create memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. It’s these shared experiences that strengthen our bonds and make us feel more connected, not just to each other, but to the world around us.

After dinner, we took one last stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Urbino. The square was quiet and peaceful, the only sounds the gentle murmur of conversation and the soft glow of the streetlights. We paused for a moment to take it all in, to imprint this image on our minds. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a fitting farewell to a city that had captured our hearts.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced Urbino with my family. It's a place that has enriched our lives in so many ways, a reminder of the power of travel to broaden our horizons and deepen our connections. Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Kingston, but the memories of Urbino will stay with us forever. And who knows, maybe one day we'll return to this enchanting city, to relive the magic and create new memories. Until then, arrivederci, Urbino!

As we prepare to leave, I am already thinking about our next adventure. Perhaps we will explore more of Italy, or maybe we will venture to a completely different part of the world. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see where our travels will take us next.

But for now, it's time to say goodbye to Urbino, a city that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you, Urbino, for the memories, the beauty, and the inspiration. We will never forget you.

And to my readers, thank you for joining us on this journey. I hope you have enjoyed following our adventures in Urbino, and I hope that it has inspired you to explore the world and create your own memories. Until next time, happy travels!

Ciao!