Urbino: Renaissance Jewel in the Italian Hills

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-ray/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh sty]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-ray]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-ray]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-zoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-streh-ar-mee (soo-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohss-see-moh (ow-toh-boo-s)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyeh-toh (pair)]

Urbino, located in the Marche region of Italy, traces its origins back to ancient times. It was initially a Roman municipium known as Urvinum Mataurense. The city’s strategic location atop a high sloping hillside made it a significant military stronghold during the Roman era.

During the early Middle Ages, Urbino was under the control of various feudal lords and experienced a period of turmoil and strife. It wasn't until the 13th century that the city began to stabilize under the Montefeltro family, who played a pivotal role in Urbino’s development.

The Renaissance period marked Urbino's golden age, largely due to the influence of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, who ruled from 1444 to 1482. A patron of the arts and a shrewd military leader, Federico transformed Urbino into a cultural and intellectual hub. He commissioned the construction of the Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and attracted artists, scholars, and philosophers to his court.

The Palazzo Ducale, commissioned by Federico da Montefeltro, stands as a testament to Urbino’s Renaissance grandeur. Designed by architect Luciano Laurana and later completed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate courtyards, and the famous Studiolo—an exquisite study adorned with intarsia woodwork.

Urbino is celebrated as the birthplace of the illustrious painter and architect Raphael Sanzio. Born in 1483, Raphael spent his early years in Urbino, where he was profoundly influenced by the artistic environment fostered by Federico da Montefeltro’s court. His childhood home, Casa Natale di Raffaello, is now a museum dedicated to his life and works.

In 1631, Urbino was incorporated into the Papal States following the death of the last Duke of Urbino, Francesco Maria II della Rovere. This integration marked the end of the city’s independence but also ushered in a period of religious and cultural consolidation under papal rule.

Today, Urbino is a vibrant city that harmonizes its rich historical legacy with modern life. In 1998, its historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and significant contributions to art and culture. The University of Urbino, established in 1506, continues to be a center of academic excellence.

Urbino is located in the Marche region of Italy. The nearest major airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, about 55 kilometers away. From Rimini, you can take a bus or a train to Pesaro, and then a local bus to Urbino. Alternatively, Ancona Falconara Airport is approximately 90 kilometers from Urbino. There are also bus services from Rome, Florence, and Bologna that connect to Urbino.

Urbino is a small city, and its historic center is best explored on foot. For longer distances, local buses are available and connect various parts of the city. Taxis are also an option, but they can be more expensive. If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside, renting a car is a convenient option. However, be aware that parking in Urbino, especially in the historic center, can be challenging.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Urbino is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in deserted areas and be vigilant about your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying aware and keeping your valuables secure is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Urbino. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and modestly. Italians take pride in their appearance, and overly casual or revealing clothing may be frowned upon, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket once you board. Don’t forget to do this, as fines can be issued for unvalidated tickets. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Italy.

To experience Urbino like a local, take a stroll through the winding streets of the historic center and enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes. Visit the Mercatino del Mercoledì (Wednesday Market) to buy fresh produce and local products. Engage with the locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Orto Botanico. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or event, such as the Festa del Duca, which celebrates the Renaissance heritage of Urbino.