palazzo ducale

ClaireClaireClairePD

The main reason to see this palace is the studiolo – a small room 100% covered with the most incredibly intricate wood inlay. These scenes depict books, scientific tools, musical instruments, and portraits of famous intellectuals. Otherwise, it's a nice palace with some impressive halls and rooms. It contains a few paintings by some of the greats – Raphael, Titian, Uccello, etc.

barrett_ryan16

The exhibit at the Palazzo Ducale has a lot of different paintings and art pieces to view. The architecture of the building and the open square in the middle are some of my favorites of this building.

57mattn

the ducal palace is a impressive building, especially viewed from the "other" hill of urbino, the "new urbino" section of town. it has a perfect rennaissance courtyard. however, there is little inside, save a priceless painting of the flagellation of christ by piero della francesca. most of the art has gone to museums elsewhere, such as the brera in milan. the palace is almost empty inside. there is an interesting room panelled with wood inlay. grab a bottle of wine and some bread and head for the park in new urbino that overlooks the old city. it is a world class view. i went to college in urbino in the early 1980s and know it well.

UsaDee

We especially enjoyed the leisurely walk through the palace and lists of art in every room. It was disappointing that some of the paintings were removed for restoration.

ELear

If you've found the Palazzo Ducale a bit disappointing, then as you leave look at the lovely blue and white della Robbia Virgin and Child (with various saints), above the door of the church in front of the Palazzo entrance. The church, the Chiesa di San Domenico, is usually locked (at least it was both times I tried to go inside) and the group above the doorway is actually only a copy, but that doesn't matter. It's still exquisitely beautiful. Don't miss it. It'll lift your spirits.

79guidop

Without any doubt this palace is the main symbol of this medieval city and it must be visited... but the outside visit may be enough because inside there is not much apart the frescos on some walls, some fireplaces and a couple of chair... The main entrance court is enough to have an idea on the life style of those centuries....

BIG_VINX

Urbino's Ducal Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, was the first ducal palace to be built in Italy. It was constructed in the 15th century by Duke Federico da Montefeltro. It was often called a town in the shape of a palace because of its large size, with 500 - 600 inhabitants, including the many servants needed to run it. The extensive underground rooms where the servants worked and lived have been renovated and opened to the public. Under the palace were stables, kitchens, laundry rooms, the ice room used for refrigeration, and the Duke's baths, similar to Roman baths.Definitely worth a visit!

Rosenkojan

A touring bus is needed to take you to the ducal palace known from the history of art of the renaissance. The mountains are amazingly high. The town is small, some 12.000 inhabitants. there is also the house of Rafael's childhood. Make sure that you get inside the palace to enjoy the architecture. There is no way to walk around it. Do enter the Cathedral, despite its facade. Inside there is light white, blue and golden renaissance style. There will be coffee in the piazza outside. On returning to the buss you will go by elevator insida the cliff. Halfway down there is a change of elevators in front of an Coop shop just like the one at home. People do live there, there is even a university.

arcticboolie

Built by the famous Duke of Urbino, the building now houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche and one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world. The Duke's famous studiolo is well worth seeing and an excellent example of the art of intarsia (wood inlay).

UpstateExplorer

When in Urbino, do not miss this museum. This is a highlight. There is very good art, a well presented audio tour, and a sense of the golden age of this ruling family. The only downside is some repairs and some art out of place, but the rest is so good, it can be over looked.

209Rachel

Exceptionally rich collection of Renaissance-era art and some incredibly elaborate rooms dating to this period. Don't miss the study and private chambers. Can easily spend a few hours wandering the halls and making new discoveries.

454renen

The most brilliant joinery you would ever see. Take a minute while you look at every door and cupboard in the Palazzo and think they produced this before machinery. Every piece of inlayed timber portrays a picture of this medieval life of the Duke. The drawing room will leave you with a understanding of this masterpiece of the ultimate in woodworking techniques. The 3d effect of the joinery is truly something that MUST be seen.

MrJD

The Palazzo Ducale is worth a visit for its elaborate displays of art and architecture. It is excellent value to experience the renaissance period in all its glory.

ferrocene

A few interesting rooms but most are empty and unattractive. No interior photography allowed (same as the adjacent cathedral which, to be fair, is interesting to visit).

DebHNewYork_NewYork

A window into the world of Italy during the Renaissance. The art world and architecture was truly amazing done by the finest italian artists and artisans of the time.