Exploring the Renaissance Charm of Urbino, Italy

A Renaissance Dream Come True

After months of anticipation, Maximilian and I finally arrived in Urbino! The journey itself was quite the adventure, flying from Germany and then navigating the winding Italian roads in our rented car. It felt like stepping into a painting as we approached the city, the rolling hills of the Marche region providing a breathtaking backdrop. I am excited to share our first day in this Renaissance gem.

Our first stop was the heart of Urbino, its Historic Centre (Unesco), a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It felt surreal to walk through streets that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The warm sandstone buildings glowed in the afternoon sun, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the history that surrounded us. Maximilian, ever the history enthusiast, was already pointing out architectural details and sharing interesting facts he'd read. We wandered through the narrow cobblestone streets, soaking in the atmosphere and marveling at the well-preserved Renaissance architecture. It's easy to see why Urbino is considered a cradle of the Renaissance; the artistic and cultural heritage is palpable.


Explore Urbino's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

The beauty of Urbino lies not just in its monuments, but in the way the city breathes history and art at every corner.

Next on our list was the magnificent Palazzo Ducale di Urbino. This palace is an architectural masterpiece. The sheer scale and detail of the building were astounding. We decided to take a guided tour to fully appreciate its history and significance. Our guide led us through the opulent rooms, each filled with Renaissance art and intricate decorations. I was particularly captivated by the Studiolo of Federico da Montefeltro, a small room adorned with incredible intarsia panels. Maximilian was fascinated by the palace's innovative design and its role as a center of Renaissance culture. We learned about the Duke Federico da Montefeltro, a patron of the arts and a brilliant military strategist, who transformed Urbino into a cultural hub. The palace houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, which displays masterpieces by artists such as Piero della Francesca and Raphael. It was truly a feast for the eyes!


Explore the Renaissance grandeur of Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with art, history, and breathtaking architecture.

After immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Palazzo Ducale, we sought a more personal connection to Urbino's artistic legacy with a visit to Casa Natale di Raffaello, Raphael's birthplace. As someone who grew up surrounded by art in Puerto Rico, this visit felt particularly special. The house itself is a modest dwelling, but it holds a profound sense of history. Seeing the rooms where Raphael spent his early years, imagining him learning to paint under his father's guidance, was incredibly moving. There was a drawing attributed to Bramante and Renaissance ceramics. We saw a Madonna and Child, believed to be one of Raphael's earliest works, it gave a glimpse into the budding genius of the Renaissance master. Maximilian, who appreciates the technical aspects of art, was impressed by the early techniques displayed in Raphael's work. It was a humbling experience to stand in the very place where one of the world's greatest artists began his journey.


Explore the birthplace of Raphael at Casa Natale di Raffaello in Urbino, where art and history come alive in a beautifully preserved museum.

By this time, our stomachs were starting to rumble, so we made our way to Ristorante Antica Osteria Da La Stella for breakfast. The restaurant had a cozy and elegant atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. I ordered a cappuccino and a pastry, while Maximilian opted for a more substantial breakfast of eggs and local cheese. The food was delicious, and it was the perfect way to start our day in Urbino. The owner made a point of introducing all the dishes. Maximilian and I enjoyed the cappelletti in brodo.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Urbino at Ristorante Antica Osteria Da La Stella, where tradition meets culinary excellence.

For lunch, we chose Taverna degli Artisti, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Urbino cuisine. We shared an antipasto mediterraneo. I had the gnocchi, speck e zafferano. Maximilian chose the tagliatelle ai funghi porcini. The tortino al cioccolato con gelato was the perfect way to end our meal. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and we enjoyed chatting with the friendly staff. It was a delightful experience that gave us a true taste of Urbino's culinary scene.


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

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at L'HOST: wine beer & something else, a cozy bar. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. I enjoyed a glass of local wine, while Maximilian sampled a craft beer. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, and we struck up a conversation with a local who shared some fascinating stories about Urbino's history. Sipping our drinks, we reflected on the incredible day we had experienced. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


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

For dinner, we had reservations at Ristorante Vecchia Urbino, known for its traditional cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was charming, decorated in a Renaissance style. I ordered a pasta dish with truffles, while Maximilian chose a meat dish with local herbs. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. The wine selection was extensive, and we enjoyed a bottle of local red wine with our meal. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Urbino.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Vecchia Urbino in the heart of Italy's historic city, where tradition meets flavor.

Our first day in Urbino was nothing short of magical. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the delicious food and the warm hospitality of the locals, every moment was a delight. As we walked back to our charming guesthouse, hand in hand, Maximilian and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a special place together. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista, the Botanical Garden of the University, and the Fortezza Albornoz. I'm also excited to visit Ceramiche Artistiche Urbino. Urbino has captured our hearts, and I can't wait to see what other treasures it holds.

I am also realizing that I forgot to pack my portable phone charger and an umbrella. I will need to find a shop to purchase these items tomorrow.

What a start to our adventure! I'm already brimming with anticipation for what tomorrow will bring. Until then, arrivederci from beautiful Urbino!