[[File:Urbino-duomo01.jpg|thumb|220px|View of the Duomo.]]
'''Urbino''' {{audio|It-Urbino.ogg|<small>listen</small>}} is a walled city in the [[Marche]] region of [[Italy]], south-west of [[Pesaro]], a [[World Heritage Site]] notable for a remarkable historical legacy of independent [[Renaissance]] culture, especially under the patronage of [[Federico da Montefeltro]], duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. The town, nestled on a high sloping hillside, retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect, only slightly marred by the large car parks below the town. It hosts the [[University of Urbino]], founded in 1506, and is the seat of the [[Archbishop of Urbino]]<!--please don't set this apart as a separate orphan-->. Its best-known architectural piece is the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]], rebuilt by Luciano Laurana.
[[File:Historic Centre of Urbino-112089.jpg|thumb|220px|A view from Urbino]]
The city is located in a predominantly hilly area, at the foothills of the Northern Apennines and the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. The city is in the southern area of [[Montefeltro]], an area classified as medium-high seismic risk. In the database of earthquakes developed by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, nearly 65 seismic events have affected the town of Urbino between March 26 1511 and 26 March 1998. They include the 24th of April, 17411, when the shocks were stronger than magnitude 8 on the [[Mercalli Scale]], with an epicenter in Fabriano (where it reached 6.08 on the Richter Scale).<ref>http://emidius.mi.ingv.it/DBMI04/query_eq/</ref>
[[File:Urbino-duomo01.jpg|thumb|220px|View of the [[Duomo]]]]
'''Urbino''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|əːr|ˈ|b|iː|n|oʊ}} {{respell|ur|BEE|noh}},<ref>{{Cite dictionary |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Urbino |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127233528/https://www.lexico.com/definition/urbino |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-11-27 |title=Urbino |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> {{IPA|it|urˈbiːno|lang|It-Urbino.ogg}}; [[Romagnol]]: ''Urbìn'') is a ''[[comune]]'' (municipality) in the [[Italy|Italian]] region of [[Marche]], southwest of [[Pesaro]], a [[World Heritage Site]] notable for a remarkable historical legacy of independent [[Renaissance]] culture, especially under the patronage of [[Federico da Montefeltro]], duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482.
The town, nestled on a high sloping hillside, retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect. It hosts the [[University of Urbino]], founded in 1506, and is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Urbino–Urbania–Sant'Angelo in Vado|Archbishop of Urbino]]. Its best-known architectural piece is the [[Ducal Palace, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]], rebuilt by [[Luciano Laurana]].
== Geography ==
The city lies in a hilly region, at the foothills of the Northern Apennines and the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. It is within the southern area of [[Montefeltro]], an area classified as medium-high seismic risk. Nearly 65 seismic events have affected the town of Urbino between 1511 and 1998. They include 24 April 1741, when the shocks were stronger than VIII on the [[Mercalli intensity scale]], with an epicenter in Fabriano (where it reached 6.08 on the moment magnitude scale).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://emidius.mi.ingv.it/DBMI04/query_eq/ | title=INGV - DBMI04 - Consultazione per terremoto }}</ref>
== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Pianta Urbino (Tommaso Luci 1689).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Antique plan of Urbino (1689) by Tommaso Luci.]]
[[File:Pianta Urbino (Tommaso Luci 1689).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Antique plan of Urbino (1689) by Tommaso Luci]]
===Origins and Middle ages===
=== Origins and Middle Ages ===
The modest [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] town of '''''Urbinum Mataurense''''' ("the little city on the river Mataurus") became an important strategic stronghold in the [[Gothic Wars (6th century)|Gothic Wars]] of the 6th century, capturedin538 from the Ostrogoths by the Byzantine general [[Belisarius]], and frequently mentioned by the historian [[Procopius]].
The originally modest [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] town of '''''Urbinum Mataurense''''' ("the little city on the river Mataurus") became an important strategic stronghold during the [[Gothic Wars (6th century)|Gothic Wars]] of the 6th century. In 538, it was captured from the Ostrogoths by the Byzantine general [[Belisarius]], and is frequently mentioned by the historian [[Procopius]].
Though [[Pippin the Younger|Pepin the Short]] (King of the Franks) [[Donation of Pepin|presented Urbino to the Papacy]] in 754/756,independenttraditionswereexpressedinits commune, until, around 1200, it came into the possession of the [[House of Montefeltro]]. Although these noblemen had no direct authority over the commune, they could pressure it to elect them to the position of ''[[podestà]]'', a title that Bonconte di Montefeltro managedtoobtain in 1213, with the result that Urbino's population rebelled and formed an alliance with the independent commune of [[Rimini]] (1228), finally regaining control of the town in 1234. Eventually, though, the Montefeltro noblemen took control once more, and held it until 1508. In the struggles between the [[Guelphs and Ghibellines]], when factions supported either the Papacy or the Holy Roman Empire respectively, the 13th and 14th century Montefeltro lords of Urbino were leaders of the Ghibellines of the Marche and in the [[Romagna]] region.
[[Pippin the Younger|Pepin the Short]] (King of the Franks) [[Donation of Pepin|presented Urbino to the Papacy]] in 754–56. Its commune later had some independence until around 1200, when it came into the possession of the [[House of Montefeltro]]. These noblemen had no direct authority over the commune; however, they could pressure it to elect them to the position of {{Lang|it|[[podestà]]}}. Bonconte di Montefeltro obtained this title in 1213: Urbino's population rebelled and formed an alliance with the independent commune of [[Rimini]] (1228), finally regaining independence in 1234. Eventually, though, the Montefeltro noblemen took control once more, and held it until 1508. In the struggles between the [[Guelphs and Ghibellines]], when factions supported either the Papacy or the Holy Roman Empire respectively, the 13th and 14th century Montefeltro lords of Urbino were leaders of the Ghibellines of the Marche and in the [[Romagna]] region.
===Theperiod of Federico da Montefeltro===
=== Period of Federico da Montefeltro ===
The most famous member of the Montefeltro family was [[Federico da Montefeltro]], Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482, a very successful [[condottiere]], a skillful diplomat and an enthusiastic patron of art and literature. In1444hetookover as the son of [[Guidantonio]], after a conspiracy and the murder of the legitimate [[Oddantonio]], hated for his "unbridled lust" and excessive taxation exercised during his seventeen months in office.
The most famous member of the Montefeltro family, [[Federico da Montefeltro]], ruled as Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. He was a very successful [[condottiere]], a skillful diplomat and an enthusiastic patron of art and literature. He rose to power in 1444 as the son of [[Guidantonio]], after a conspiracy and the murder of the legitimate heir [[Oddantonio]], hated for his "unbridled lust" and excessive taxes.
Frederick put his hand to the political imperative and began a reorganization of the state, which also included a restructuring of the city according to a modern conception, comfortable, efficient and beautiful. Thanks to his efforts, the nearly four decades of his rule the government was aimed at this purpose, which, thanks to his extraordinary qualities combined with a considerable fortune, he fully realized this dream.
Federico began a reorganization of the state, which also included a restructuring of the city according to a modern conception - comfortable, efficient and beautiful.
At his court, [[Piero della Francesca]] wrote on the science of perspective, [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]] wrote his Trattato di architettura ("Treatise on Architecture") and [[Raphael's]] father, [[Giovanni Santi]], wrote his poetical account of the chief artists of his time. Federico's brilliant court, according to the descriptions in[[Baldassare Castiglione]]'s Il Cortegiano ("[[The Book of the Courtier]]"), set standards of what was to characterize a modern European "[[gentleman]]" for centuries to come.
At his court, [[Piero della Francesca]] wrote on the science of perspective, [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]] wrote his ''Trattato di architettura'' (''Treatise on Architecture'') and [[Raphael]]'s father, [[Giovanni Santi]], wrote his poetical account of the chief artists of his time. Federico's brilliant court, according to the descriptions in [[Baldassare Castiglione]]'s ''Il Cortegiano'' (''[[The Book of the Courtier]]'', published in 1528), set standards of what would characterize a modern European "[[gentleman]]" for centuries to come.
===Cesare Borgia and the years of the Duchy Della Rovere===
=== Cesare Borgia and the years of the Duchy Della Rovere ===
[[Cesare Borgia]] dispossessed [[Guidobaldo da Montefeltro]], Duke of Urbino, and [[Elisabetta Gonzaga]] in [[1502]] , with the complicity of his father, [[Pope Alexander VI]]. After the attempt of Pope [[Leo X]] to appoint a young [[Medici]] as duke, thwarted by the early death of [[Lorenzo II de Medici]]in 1519, Urbino was part of the [[Papal States]], under the dynasty of the dukes [[Della Rovere]] (1508 - 1631). They moved in 1523 the court in the city of [[Pesaro]] and Urbino began a slow decline that would continue until the last decades of the seventeenth century.<ref>Walter Tommasoli, The Life of Federico da Montefeltro 1422-1482, Argalia, Urbino, 1975 Reissue 1995</ref>
[[Cesare Borgia]] dispossessed [[Guidobaldo da Montefeltro]], Duke of Urbino, and [[Elisabetta Gonzaga]] in 1502, with the complicity of his father, [[Pope Alexander VI]]. After the attempt of Pope [[Leo X]] to appoint a young [[Medici]] as duke, thwarted by the early death of [[Lorenzo II de Medici]] in 1519, Urbino was part of the [[Papal States]], under the dynasty of the dukes [[Della Rovere]] (1508–1631). They moved the court to the city of [[Pesaro]] in 1523 and Urbino began a slow decline that would continue until the last decades of the seventeenth century.<ref>Walter Tommasoli, The Life of Federico da Montefeltro 1422–82, Argalia, Urbino, 1975 Reissue 1995</ref>
===Annexation by the Papal States===
=== Annexation by the Papal States ===
In 1626, [[Pope Urban VIII]] definitively incorporated the Duchy into the papal dominions, the gift of the last Della Rovere duke, in retirement after the assassination of his heir, to be governed by the archbishop. The state was ruled since then by a [[papal legate]], generally belonging to high ecclesiastical hierarchy. Following the annexation of the duchy by the Papal States, the rich artistic heritage (including furniture) of the Ducal Palace went to form, for the most part, the dowry of the last direct descendant of the Della Rovere, [[Vittoria]], who married Ferdinand II de Medici. These works went on to form the core of the future [[Uffizi Gallery]]. Among the works that went to [[Florence]] is the [[diptych of the Dukes of Urbino]] by [[Piero della Francesca]]. Other works of the Ducal Palace were brought to [[Rome]], such as the [[Barberini Ex Tables]] of [[Fra Carnevale]] and the famous library, absorbed entirely by the [[Vatican Library]] in 1657.
In 1626, [[Pope Urban VIII]] definitively incorporated the Duchy into the papal dominions, the gift of the last Della Rovere duke, in retirement after the assassination of his heir, to be governed by the archbishop. The state was ruled thereafter by a [[papal legate]], generally belonging to high ecclesiastical hierarchy. Following the annexation of the duchy by the Papal States, the rich artistic heritage (including furniture) of the Ducal Palace went to form, for the most part, the dowry of the last direct descendant of the Della Rovere, [[Vittoria della Rovere]], who married Ferdinand II de Medici. These works went on to form the core of the future [[Uffizi Gallery]]. Among the works that went to [[Florence]] is the diptych of the Dukes of Urbino by [[Piero della Francesca]]. Other works of the Ducal Palace were brought to [[Rome]], such as the Barberini Ex Tables of [[Fra Carnevale]] and the famous library, absorbed entirely by the [[Vatican Library]] in 1657.
===The Albani and the French occupation===
=== The Albani and the French occupation ===
The eighteenth century opened with the election to the papacy (1701) of Cardinal Giovan Francesco Albani Urbino, under the name of [[Clement XI]]. This was a windfall for the city and was its last great era, especially in terms of arts, and culture, thanks to funding by Pope Albani and his family. Major renovation of several buildings, churches and monasteries took place; such as Palazzo Albani, part of the facade of the TownHall, the Archbishop's Palace, the Chapel Albani (inside the convent of St. Francis), [[St. Joseph's Oratory]], and the internal structure of the churches of [[San Francesco]], [[San Domenico]] and St.Augustine. In addition, due to the patronage of the Pope and of his family, the [[Duomo di Urbino]] received many improvments (like the new altar) as did other religious institutions in the city. Thisnewageofsplendorforthe city endedwith the death of ClementXIin1721 , placing the city in a long decline that hascontinued to the presentday. After the Pope's death, the[[Albani]] family remained the mainpatron of the most significant works until the first half of the nineteenth century .
The eighteenth century opened with the election to the papacy (1701) of Cardinal Giovan Francesco Albani Urbino, under the name of [[Clement XI]]. This was a windfall for the city, especially in terms of arts and culture, thanks to funding by Pope Albani and his family. Major renovations took place, such as Palazzo Albani, the town hall, the archbishop's palace, the Chapel Albani (inside the convent of St. Francis), [[Saint Joseph's Oratory]], and the internal structure of the churches of [[Francis of Assisi|San Francesco]], San Domenico and San Agostino. In addition, due to the patronage of the pope and his family, the [[Duomo di Urbino]] received many improvements. From July 1717 to November 1718 Urbino hosted the court of [[James Francis Edward Stuart|James Stuart]], the exiled pretender to the British throne, who had the strong backing of the papacy.
In 1789, the collapse of the Cathedral dome following a massive earthquake led to the total renovation of the church.
With the death of Clement XI in 1721, the city began a long decline that has continued to the present day. After the pope's death, the [[Albani family]] remained the main patron of the most significant works until the first half of the nineteenth century. In 1789, the collapse of the cathedral dome following a massive earthquake led to the total renovation of the church.
Between 1797 and 1800 the city was occupied by French troops, like much of northern and central Italy. During the French occupation Urbino and its territory sufferedfrom the acquisitions of important works of art by the French, which were moved to [[Paris]] or [[Milan]], in the nascent galleries of the [[Louvre]] and [[Brera]]. This event was a further cause of the impoverished local artistic heritage, already tried by the loss of the works following the devolution of the duchy in the seventeenth century. <ref>Joseph Cucco (ed.), Albani Pope and the Arts in Urbino and Rome from 1700 to 1721, Venice, Marsilio, 2007. ISBN88-317-7862-5.</ref>
Between 1797 and 1800 the city was occupied by French troops, like much of northern and central Italy. Urbino and its territory lost many important works of art to the French, who moved objects to [[Paris]] or [[Milan]], to the nascent galleries of the [[Louvre]] and [[Pinacoteca di Brera|Brera]].<ref>Joseph Cucco (ed.), Albani Pope and the Arts in Urbino and Rome from 1700 to 1721, Venice, Marsilio, 2007. {{ISBN|88-317-7862-5}}.</ref>
===Theredevelopment of the nineteenth century===
=== Redevelopment of the nineteenth century ===
The century opened with the consecration in 1809 of the new [[Duomo di Urbino]], as designed by the architect [[Giuseppe Valadier]] ,who restored the city’s Montefeltro-era buildings, such as the old Seminary, adjacent to the church of St. Sergius, now partly occupied by the Hotel Raffaello.
The century opened with the consecration in 1809 of the new [[Duomo di Urbino]], as designed by the architect [[Giuseppe Valadier]]. He also restored the city's Montefeltro-era buildings such as the old seminary, adjacent to the church of St. Sergius, now partly occupied by the Hotel Raffaello.
Following the construction of the New Palace of Alban (1831), designed by architect [[Peter Ghinelli]], which gave rise to the present Piazza della Repubblica that went on to form the first part of the future Corso Garibaldi, the city experienced a number of urban improvments designed to change the face of the city. From the construction of the Sanzio theater (1845 -1853) came the final realization of Corso Garibaldi, with a covered walkway on the downhill side to that ensure theater-goers were sheltered from rain and snow on their walk to the Piazza della Repubblica, with construction that lasted until the early part of the twentieth century. In addition, another important change was the destruction, in 1868, of a part of the walls to create a customs barrier, called Porta Nuova or barrier Margherita (in honor of Princess [[Margaret of Savoy]]), which was necessitated by a new road that ran along a stretch of the walls and was connected to Corso Garibaldi. This resulted in a new urban layout with the large spit of land below the Doge's Palace incorporated into the city, called the Pincio.
Following the construction of the New Palace of Alban (1831), designed by architect [[Peter Ghinelli]], which gave rise to the present Piazza della Repubblica that went on to form the first part of the future Corso Garibaldi, the city experienced a number of urban improvements designed to change the face of the city. From the construction of the Sanzio theater (1845–53) came the final realization of Corso Garibaldi, with a covered walkway on the downhill side to that ensure theater-goers were sheltered from rain and snow on their walk to the Piazza della Repubblica, with construction that lasted until the early part of the twentieth century. In addition, another important change was the destruction, in 1868, of a part of the walls to create a customs barrier, called Porta Nuova or barrier Margherita (in honor of Princess [[Margherita of Savoy|Margaret of Savoy]]), which was necessitated by a new road that ran along a stretch of the walls and was connected to Corso Garibaldi. This resulted in a new urban layout with the large spit of land below the Doge's Palace incorporated into the city, called the Pincio.
These urban transformations brought about a change in access to the city. Instead of passing through narrow, winding streets, through the gates of the walls, now one could enter through the Porta Nuova in an easier and convenient way to arrive in the present Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo Ducale (the city center).
These urban transformations brought about a change in access to the city. Instead of passing through narrow, winding streets, through the gates of the walls, now one could enter through the Porta Nuova in an easier and convenient way to arrive in the present Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo Ducale (the city center).
This urban renewal reflected many of the ideas of Fulvio Corboli but its design was largely done by the architect Vincenzo Ghinelli.<ref>Walter Tommasoli, The Life of Federico da Montefeltro 1422-1482, Argalia, Urbino, 1975 Reissue 1995</ref>
This urban renewal reflected many of the ideas of Fulvio Corboli but its design was largely done by the architect Vincenzo Ghinelli.<ref>Walter Tommasoli, The Life of Federico da Montefeltro 1422-1482, Argalia, Urbino, 1975 Reissue 1995</ref>
===The Unification of Italy===
=== Unification of Italy ===
On September 8, 1860 the Piedmontese troops entered Urbino from Port Saint Lucia, forcing the surrender of the last resistance of the papal army under the portico of the childhood house of Raphael. But it wasn’t until September 29, with the capture of Ancona, that the total conquest of the [[Marche]] region was completed by the [[Piedmont]] army.
On 8 September 1860 the Piedmontese troops entered Urbino from Port Saint Lucia, forcing the surrender of the last resistance of the papal army under the portico of the childhood house of Raphael. But it was not until 29 September, with the capture of Ancona, that the total conquest of the [[Marche]] region was completed by the [[Piedmont]] army.
Between November 4th and 5th, the plebiscite was held for the annexation of the Marche to the [[Kingdom of Sardinia]], which ended with 133,783 votes in favor, 260 votes against and 1,212 invalid ballots. In the province of Urbino (excluding the territory of Pesaro) the count was 21,111 for and 365 against with 29 invalid ballots. Subsequently, on November 10, the Marche was included in the [[Statuto Albertino]], and then, on December 17, it was made official with the issuance of a royal decree.<ref>Raphael Molinelli, Urbino, 1860, exhibition catalog the contribution of Urbino to the Risorgimento, STEU - Urbino 1961</ref>
Between 4 and 5 November, the plebiscite was held for the annexation of the Marche to the [[Kingdom of Sardinia]], which ended with 133,783 votes in favor, 260 votes against and 1,212 invalid ballots. In the province of Urbino (excluding the territory of Pesaro) the count was 21,111 for and 365 against with 29 invalid ballots. Subsequently, on 10 November, the Marche was included in the [[Statuto Albertino]], and then, on 17 December, it was made official with the issuance of a royal decree.<ref>Raphael Molinelli, Urbino, 1860, exhibition catalog the contribution of Urbino to the Risorgimento, STEU - Urbino 1961</ref>
The new government began the confiscation of various ecclesiastical goods, including good part of the [[convent of San Francisco]] (where a part of a botanical garden, designed by Vincenzo Ghinelli, was located), the [[monastery of Santa Chiara]], that of San Girolamo, and many others.
The new government began the confiscation of various ecclesiastical goods, including good part of the [[convent of San Francisco]] (where a part of a botanical garden, designed by Vincenzo Ghinelli, was located), the [[monastery of Santa Chiara]], that of San Girolamo, and many others.
===Thefirst half of the twentieth century===
=== First half of the twentieth century ===
The century began as had the previous one. This period of quiet lasted for almost the entire first half of the twentieth century, with no particular significant events. In this period, the [[Scuola del Libro]] (Istituto per la Decorazione e l'Illustrazione del Libro) was founded and expressed considerable talent both nationally and internationally. In addition to the artistic development from the Scuola del Libro, Urbino also began to grow as a university town, with the elevation to university faculty of nineteenth-century School of Pharmacy and the birth of the department of Education (approximately 1934). Due to these changes in the University, an increase in the student population led to housing shortages that highlighted the state of total unpreparedness of the city, so much that for the first time many students were housed in the homes of private citizens. The problem was partly solved with the establishment of the male boarding school "Raphael" at the beginning of the century, and the female boarding school "Laura Battiferri" in approximately 1926.
The century began quietly. In addition to the artistic development from the Scuola del Libro, Urbino also began to grow as a university town, with the elevation to university faculty of nineteenth-century School of Pharmacy and the birth of the department of Education (approximately 1934). Due to these changes in the University, an increase in the student population led to housing shortages that highlighted the state of total unpreparedness of the city, so much that for the first time many students were housed in the homes of private citizens. The problem was partly solved with the establishment of the male boarding school "Raphael" at the beginning of the century, and the female boarding school "Laura Battiferri" in approximately 1926.
This period was dominated by great events of national and international history, which inevitably were expressed in Urbino. The period of the fascist dictatorship left its mark on the city, especially from an architectural point of view, with a fascist elementary school "Giovanni Pascoli" (1932) built on the ancient Garden of Saint Lucia (part of the duke’s private gardens), the restoration of the palace-Mauruzi Gherardi, then the seat of the court, as well as the Student House, to compensate for the shortage of accommodation as a result of the large increase in university population and housing for the maimed and disabled civilians.
The fascist dictatorship left its mark on the city, especially from an architectural point of view, with a fascist elementary school "Giovanni Pascoli" (1932) built on the ancient Garden of Saint Lucia (part of the duke's private gardens), the restoration of the palace-Mauruzi Gherardi, then the seat of the court, as well as the Student House, to compensate for the shortage of accommodation as a result of the large increase in university population and housing for the maimed and disabled civilians.
In 1938 , the city was designated as the headquarters for the fledgling Soprintendenza alle Gallerie e alle Opere d'Arte delle Marche, roughly translated as the Organization of Galleries and Works of Art of the Marche.
In 1938, the city was designated as the headquarters for the fledgling Soprintendenza alle Gallerie e alle Opere d'Arte delle Marche, roughly translated as the Organization of Galleries and Works of Art of the Marche.
With the outbreak of [[World War II]] the city suffered no bombing, thanks to the large red cross painted on the roof of the Ducal Palace and an agreement between the Germans and the Allies. Only towards the end of the war did the retreating German troops try to destroy all the ramparts of the walls, but luckily the mines were tampered with by the workers the Germans had hired from Urbino. During the retreat, the German army isolated the city with the destruction of rail and road links. In addition, the Germans planned to blow up a tunnel, then under construction, between Urbino and the parish of Schieti that was being used by the Nazis to store weapons. Because of its location at the foot of the historic center, the population feared that an explosion would lead to the destruction of the village above, but fortunately this did not happen. During the Second World War, the then Superintendent of the Galleries and Works of Art in Urbino in the Marche [[Pasquale Rotondi]] secretly placed around 10,000 priceless works (including those of [[Giorgione]] , [[Piero della Francesca]] , [[Paolo Uccello]] , [[Titian]] , [[Mantegna]] , [[Raphael]] and many more, from all the major museums in Italy) that were stolen by the Nazis into the [[Rock of Sassocorvaro]] . His actions gained worldwide recognition and to this day the Rock of Sassocorvaro is known as the “Arc of Art”. <ref>http://www.arcadellarte.it/arcaarte/</ref>
With the outbreak of [[World War II]] the city suffered no bombing, thanks to the large red cross painted on the roof of the Ducal Palace and an agreement between the Germans and the Allies. Only towards the end of the war did the retreating German troops try to destroy all the ramparts of the walls, but luckily the mines were tampered with by the workers the Germans had hired from Urbino. During the Second World War, the then Superintendent of the Galleries and Works of Art in Urbino in the Marche [[Pasquale Rotondi]] secretly placed around 10,000 priceless works (including those of [[Giorgione]], [[Piero della Francesca]], [[Paolo Uccello]], [[Titian]], [[Andrea Mantegna|Mantegna]], [[Raphael]] and many more, from all the major museums in Italy) that were being stolen by the Nazis into the [[Rocca Ubaldinesca|Rock of Sassocorvaro]]. His actions gained worldwide recognition and to this day the Rock of Sassocorvaro is known as the "Ark of Art".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arcadellarte.it/arcaarte/ |title=Arca dell'Arte - Il premio dedicato ai salvatori dell'Arte |access-date=2014-02-12 |archive-date=2014-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222045720/http://www.arcadellarte.it/arcaarte/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Urbino was liberated from the Nazi occupation on August 28th, 1944 , thanks to the English V Corps, Polish troops, and the heroic actions of partisan groups in the area. Some of the members of these partisan groups were captured by the Nazis and executed on the current Punto Panoramica, where memorials are now placed celebrating their sacrifice.
Urbino was liberated from the Nazi occupation on 28 August 1944, thanks to the British V Corps, Polish troops, and the heroic actions of partisan groups in the area. Some of the members of these partisan groups were captured by the Nazis and executed on the current Punto Panoramica, where memorials are now placed celebrating their sacrifice.
===Urbino and De Carlo===
The second half of the twentieth century was characterized in Urbino by the cooperation with the major public institutions (the University and the City) by the architect [[Giancarlo De Carlo]] . This relationship began in 1956 when [[Carlo Bo]] , former rector of the University, commissioned from De Carlo the internal renovation project of Montefeltro- Bonaventure building, headquarters of the University. Immediately after that, the Genoese architect was commissioned by the City to prepare the General Plan (1958 - 1964) aimed at the recovery of the historical center, which had been in poor condition and was in danger of losing several neighborhoods including the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]] to the land subsidence below. This problem was solved thanks to state funding derived from two special laws enacted for the city (in 1968 and in 1982 ).
=== Urbino and De Carlo ===
Subsequently De Carlo realized several projects for the university including the college’s dormitories, near the Capuchin church outside the city center, an interesting example of how architecture can merge with the surrounding landscape. He also completed projects like the construction of the department of Magisterium (1968 - 1976), the restructuring of the department of Law ( 1966 - 1968 ) and the Battiferri building (1986 - 1999) for the department of Economics. They are three significant examples of the inclusion of a contemporary architecture in an ancient surrounding, and are still studied today.
The second half of the twentieth century was characterized in Urbino by the cooperation with the major public institutions (the University and the City) by the architect [[Giancarlo De Carlo]]. This relationship began in 1956 when [[Carlo Bo]], former rector of the University, commissioned from De Carlo the internal renovation project of Montefeltro- Bonaventure building, headquarters of the University. Immediately after that, the Genoese architect was commissioned by the City to prepare the General Plan (1958–64) aimed at the recovery of the historical center, which had been in poor condition and was in danger of losing several neighborhoods including the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]] to the land subsidence below. This problem was solved thanks to state funding derived from two special laws enacted for the city (in 1968 and in 1982 ).
Subsequently, De Carlo realized several projects for the university including the college's dormitories, near the Capuchin church outside the city center, an interesting example of how architecture can merge with the surrounding landscape. He also completed projects like the construction of the department of Magisterium (1968–76), the restructuring of the department of Law ( 1966–68 ) and the Battiferri building (1986–99) for the department of Economics. They are three significant examples of the inclusion of a contemporary architecture in an ancient surrounding, and are still studied today.
The seventies were marked by a collaboration with the Municipality for a project called Operation Mercatale (1969 -1972), which included the construction of a multi-story underground car park under Torricini’s famous Ducal Palace and the restoration of the helical ramp under the theater by [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]] (1971 -1975), in collaboration with the City. They also developed the project of renovation of the Sanzio theater (1977- 1982) and the renovation project, much discussed, of the ancient Ducal Stables. In addition, thanks to the close relationship with De Carlo, the city has hosted twice (1976 - 1981, and 1992- 1993) the laboratories of the [[ILAUD]], founded and directed by the Genoese architect.
The seventies were marked by a collaboration with the Municipality for a project called Operation Mercatale (1969–72), which included the construction of a multi-story underground car park under Torricini's famous Ducal Palace and the restoration of the helical ramp under the theater by [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]] (1971–75), in collaboration with the City. They also developed the project of renovation of the Sanzio theater (1977–82) and the renovation project, much discussed, of the ancient Ducal Stables. In addition, thanks to the close relationship with De Carlo, the city has hosted twice (1976–81, and 1992–93) the laboratories of the [[ILAUD]], founded and directed by the Genoese architect.
One of the last of De Carlo actions was the preparation, between 1989 and 1994, of the New General Plan.
One of the last of De Carlo actions was the preparation, between 1989 and 1994, of the New General Plan.
== Maiolica ==
== Maiolica ==
[[File:Tiziano - Venere di Urbino - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|The portrait of ''[[Venus of Urbino]]'' is named after from the [[Duchy of Urbino]], through the title of [[Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino|Guidobaldo II]] as the Duke of Urbino, the owner who bought it from [[Titian]].]]
The clay earth of Urbino, which still supports industrial brickworks, supplied a cluster of earthenware manufactories (''botteghe'') making the tin-glazed pottery known as ''[[maiolica]]''. Simple local wares were being made in the 15th century at Urbino, but after 1520 the Della Rovere dukes, [[Francesco Maria I della Rovere]] and his successor [[Guidobaldo II della Rovere|Guidobaldo II]], encouraged the industry, which exported wares throughout Italy, first in a manner called ''istoriato'' using engravings after [[Mannerist]] painters, then in a style of light arabesques and ''grottesche'' after the manner of Raphael's ''stanze'' at the Vatican. Other centers of 16th century wares in the [[Duchy of Urbino]] were at [[Gubbio]] and [[Castel Durante]]. The great name in Urbino majolica was that of Nicolo Pillipario's son Guido Fontana.
The clay earth of Urbino, which still supports industrial brickworks, supplied a cluster of earthenware manufactories (''botteghe'') making the tin-glazed pottery known as ''[[maiolica]]''. Simple local wares were being made in the 15th century at Urbino, but after 1520 the Della Rovere dukes, [[Francesco Maria I della Rovere]] and his successor [[Guidobaldo II della Rovere|Guidobaldo II]], encouraged the industry, which exported wares throughout Italy, first in a manner called ''istoriato'' using engravings after [[Mannerist]] painters, then in a style of light arabesques and ''grottesche'' after the manner of Raphael's ''stanze'' at the Vatican. Other centers of 16th century wares in the [[Duchy of Urbino]] were at [[Gubbio]] and [[Castel Durante]]. The great name in Urbino majolica was that of Nicolo Pillipario's son Guido Fontana.
== Main sights ==
== Main attractions ==
=== Palaces and public edifices ===
=== Palaces and public buildings ===
* The main attraction of Urbino is the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]], begun in the second half of the 15th century by Federico II da Montefeltro. It houses the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino#Galleria Nazionale delle Marche|Galleria Nazionale delle Marche]], one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.
* The main attraction of Urbino is the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino|Palazzo Ducale]], begun in the second half of the 15th century by Federico II da Montefeltro. It houses the [[Palazzo Ducale, Urbino#Galleria Nazionale delle Marche|Galleria Nazionale delle Marche]], one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.
* Other buildings include Palazzo Albani (17th century), Palazzo Odasi and Palazzo Passionei.
* Other buildings include Palazzo Albani (17th century), Palazzo Odasi and Palazzo Passionei.
* The [[Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz|Albornoz]] Fortress (known locally as ''La Fortezza''), built by the eponymous Papal legate in the 14th century.<ref>According to other sources, the castle was instead built by Albornoz's successor as legate in Urbino, Anglico Grimoard (1367-1371)[http://www.urbinonet.net/cultura_turismo_monumenti.htm]</ref> In 1507-1511, when the Della Rovere added a new series of walls to the city, the rock was enclosed in them. It is now a public park.
* The [[Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz|Albornoz]] Fortress (known locally as ''La Fortezza''), built by the eponymous Papal legate in the 14th century.<ref>{{cite web |quote=According to other sources, the castle was instead built by Albornoz's successor as legate in Urbino, Anglico Grimoard (1367-1371) |url=http://www.urbinonet.net/cultura_turismo_monumenti.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050506231512/http://www.urbinonet.net/cultura_turismo_monumenti.htm |archive-date=6 May 2005 |first=Annarita |last=Bossi |year=2004 |access-date=19 July 2018 |title=Monumenti |language=it}}</ref> In 1507-1511, when the Della Rovere added a new series of walls to the city, the rock was enclosed in them. It is now a public park.
* Raphael's house and monument (1897).
* Raphael's house and monument (1897).
=== Churches ===
=== Churches ===
* The [[Duomodi Urbino]] ([[cathedral]])isachurch founded in 1021 over a 6th-century religious edifice. The12thcenturyplanwas turned 90 degrees from the current one, which is a new construction also started by Federico II and commissioned to [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]], authorof the Ducal Palace. Finished only in 1604, the Duomo had a simple plan with a nave and two aisles, and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1789. The church was again rebuilt by the Roman architect [[Giuseppe Valadier]], theworkslastinguntil 1801. The new church has a typical[[neo-classicist]] appearance, with a majestic [[dome]]. It houses a ''San Sebastian'' from 1557, an ''Assumption'' by [[Carlo Maratta]] (1701) and the famous ''Last Supper'' by [[Federico Barocci]] (1603–1608).
* [[File:Panorama of Urbino from a kite.jpg|thumb|Urbino as seen from a kite]][[Duomo di Urbino|Duomo]]: the Cathedral of Urbino was founded in 1021 atop a 6th-century religious edifice. Federico II commissioned the design from the architect [[Francesco di Giorgio Martini]], who also designed the Ducal Palace. Finished in 1604, the Duomo had a simple plan with a nave and two aisles, and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1789. The church was rebuilt in [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassic]] style by the architect [[Giuseppe Valadier]], with work completed in 1801. The new church has a soaring dome, and houses a ''St Sebastian'' (1557), an ''Assumption'' (1701) by [[Carlo Maratta|Maratta]], and a famous ''Last Supper'' (1603–1608) by [[Federico Barocci]].
* [[Sant'Agostino, Urbino|Sant'Agostino]]: the church was built in 13th-century [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style, but largely modified in following centuries. The façade has a late-14th century almond portal in Gothic-Romanesque style, while the interior is greatly decorated. It houses a carved choir from the 16th century, created for the marriage of [[Costanzo I Sforza|Costanzo Sforza]] and [[Camilla of Aragona]]. The bell tower is from the 15th century.
* The church of San Giovanni Battista, with frescoes by [[Lorenzo Salimbeni]] da Sanseverino
* [[San Francesco, Urbino|San Francesco]]: This 14th-century church was originally a [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]]-Romanesque edifice, but an 18th-century restoration has left only the [[portico]] and the bell tower. The interior has a nave and two aisles, and houses the ''Pardon of St Francis'', a 15th-century work by Barocci.
* Sant'Agostino, built in [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style in the 13th century, but largely modified in the following centuries. The façade has a late-14th century almond portal in Gothic-Romanesuqe style, while the interior is greatly decorated. It houses a precious carved choir from the 16th century, manufactured for the marriage of [[Costanzo I Sforza|Costanzo Sforza]] and [[Camilla of Aragona]]. The bell tower is from the 15th century.
* [[Oratory of St John the Baptist, Urbino|Oratory of San Giovanni Battista]]: the oratory has 15th-century frescoes by [[Lorenzo Salimbeni]]
* San Francesco (14th century), originally a [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]]-Romanesque edifice of which an 18th-century restoration has left only the [[portico]] and the bell tower. The interior has a nave and two aisles, and houses the ''Pardon of St. Francis'', a 15th-century work by Barocci.
* The''Oratory of San Giuseppe'' (early 16th century), composed of two chapels: one of which contains a 16th-century ''presepio'' or Nativity scene by [[Federico Brandani]],thestuccofiguresarelifesize and highly naturalistic.
* [[Oratory of San Giuseppe, Urbino|Oratory of San Giuseppe]] (early 16th century), composed of two chapels: one of which contains a 16th-century stucco ''presepio'' or Nativity scene by [[Federico Brandani]] with highly naturalistic, life-size figures.
*[[San Bernardino, Urbino|San Bernardino]]: church outside the city center, housing the tombs of the Dukes of Urbino.
Outside the city is the Church of San Bernardino, housing the tombs of the Dukes of Urbino.
=== Other points of interest ===
=== Other points of interest ===
* [[Orto Botanico "Pierina Scaramella"]], a [[botanical garden]]
* [[Orto Botanico "Pierina Scaramella"]], a [[botanical garden]].
* [[University of Urbino]], housed in various old and new buildings within the city centre.
== People from Urbino ==
== People ==
* [[Battista Malatesta]] (1384–1448), Italian Renaissance poet
* [[Federico III da Montefeltro]], Duke of Urbino, medieval condottiere and patron of the arts.
* [[Bernardino Baldi]] (1553–1617), Italian mathematician and writer
* [[Elisabetta Gonzaga]] Duchess of Urbino (1471–1526)
* [[Clorinda Corradi]] (1804–1877), Italian opera singer
* [[Guidobaldo II della Rovere]], Duke of Urbino, commissioned the famous [[Venus of Urbino]] painting.
* [[Crispino Agostinucci]] (1797–1856), bishop of [[Montefeltro]]
* [[Donato Bramante]] was born nearby, and witnessed Laurana's work going up while he was a youth
* [[Donato Bramante]] (1444–1514), Italian architect and painter. He was born nearby, and witnessed Laurana's work going up while he was a youth.
* [[Raphael]] was born at Urbino, where his family's house is a museum-shrine
* [[PaoloVolponi]] (1924–1994), writerandpoet
* [[Elisabetta Gonzaga]] (1471–1526), Duchess of Urbino
* [[Federico Barocci]] ({{circa|1535}} – 1612), Italian painter
* [[Federico da Montefeltro|Federico III da Montefeltro]] (1422–1482), Duke of Urbino, medieval [[condottiere]] and patron of the arts
* [[Federico Zuccari]] ({{circa|1540/1541}} – 1609) and [[Taddeo Zuccari]] (1529–1566), Italian painters. They were born nearby.
* [[Fernando Aiuti]] (1935–2019), Italian immunologist
* [[Francesco Puccinotti]] (1794–1872), Italian pathologist
* Giovanni Francesco Albani, [[Pope Clement XI]]
* Giovanni Francesco Albani, [[Pope Clement XI]]
* [[Giovanni Pelingotto]] (1240–1304), Italian Roman Catholic, Secular Franciscan Order member
* [[Giovanni Santi]] (1435–1494), Italian painter and decorator, father of [[Raphael]]. He was born nearby.
* [[Guidobaldo II della Rovere]] (1514–1574), Duke of Urbino. He commissioned the ''[[Venus of Urbino]]'' painting.
* [[Marica Branchesi]] (1977), Italian astrophysicist
* [[Muzio Oddi]] (1569–1639), Italian mathematician, architect, military engineer and writer
* [[Ottaviano Petrucci]] (1466–1539), Italian printer, inventor of the music print with movable type. He was born nearby.
* [[Paolo Volponi]] (1924–1994), Italian writer and poet
* [[Polydore Vergil]] or Virgil (1470–1555), chronicler in England
* [[Raffaello Carboni]] (1817–1875), Italian writer
* [[Raphael Gualazzi]] (1981), Italian jazz pianist and singer, runner-up in the [[2011 Eurovision Song Contest]]
* [[Raphael]] (1483–1520), Italian painter. His family's house is a museum-shrine.
* [[Stefano Sensi]] (1995), Italian football player
* [[Umberto Piersanti]] (1941), Italian poet and writer
* [[Valentino Rossi]] (1979), Italian motorcycle racer, multiple [[Grand Prix motorcycles|MotoGP]] World Champion
* [[Domenica Ercolani]] (1910–2023), Italian supercentenarian, oldest person in Italy from 2022 to 2023
==Climate==
Others notable people from Urbino include:
* [[Crispino Agostinucci]] -bishop of [[Montefeltro]]
* [[Federico Barocci]], painter
* [[Bernardino Baldi]], mathematician and writer
* [[Raffaello Carboni]], writer.
* [[Bartolomeo Carusi]], theologian and professor at Bologna and Paris
The town, nestled on a high sloping hillside, retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect. It hosts the University of Urbino, founded in 1506, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Urbino. Its best-known architectural piece is the Palazzo Ducale, rebuilt by Luciano Laurana.
The city lies in a hilly region, at the foothills of the Northern Apennines and the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. It is within the southern area of Montefeltro, an area classified as medium-high seismic risk. Nearly 65 seismic events have affected the town of Urbino between 1511 and 1998. They include 24 April 1741, when the shocks were stronger than VIII on the Mercalli intensity scale, with an epicenter in Fabriano (where it reached 6.08 on the moment magnitude scale).[4]
The originally modest Roman town of Urbinum Mataurense ("the little city on the river Mataurus") became an important strategic stronghold during the Gothic Wars of the 6th century. In 538, it was captured from the Ostrogoths by the Byzantine general Belisarius, and is frequently mentioned by the historian Procopius.
Pepin the Short (King of the Franks) presented Urbino to the Papacy in 754–56. Its commune later had some independence until around 1200, when it came into the possession of the House of Montefeltro. These noblemen had no direct authority over the commune; however, they could pressure it to elect them to the position of podestà. Bonconte di Montefeltro obtained this title in 1213: Urbino's population rebelled and formed an alliance with the independent commune of Rimini (1228), finally regaining independence in 1234. Eventually, though, the Montefeltro noblemen took control once more, and held it until 1508. In the struggles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, when factions supported either the Papacy or the Holy Roman Empire respectively, the 13th and 14th century Montefeltro lords of Urbino were leaders of the Ghibellines of the Marche and in the Romagna region.
The most famous member of the Montefeltro family, Federico da Montefeltro, ruled as Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. He was a very successful condottiere, a skillful diplomat and an enthusiastic patron of art and literature. He rose to power in 1444 as the son of Guidantonio, after a conspiracy and the murder of the legitimate heir Oddantonio, hated for his "unbridled lust" and excessive taxes.
Federico began a reorganization of the state, which also included a restructuring of the city according to a modern conception - comfortable, efficient and beautiful.
At his court, Piero della Francesca wrote on the science of perspective, Francesco di Giorgio Martini wrote his Trattato di architettura (Treatise on Architecture) and Raphael's father, Giovanni Santi, wrote his poetical account of the chief artists of his time. Federico's brilliant court, according to the descriptions in Baldassare Castiglione's Il Cortegiano (The Book of the Courtier, published in 1528), set standards of what would characterize a modern European "gentleman" for centuries to come.
Cesare Borgia and the years of the Duchy Della Rovere
In 1626, Pope Urban VIII definitively incorporated the Duchy into the papal dominions, the gift of the last Della Rovere duke, in retirement after the assassination of his heir, to be governed by the archbishop. The state was ruled thereafter by a papal legate, generally belonging to high ecclesiastical hierarchy. Following the annexation of the duchy by the Papal States, the rich artistic heritage (including furniture) of the Ducal Palace went to form, for the most part, the dowry of the last direct descendant of the Della Rovere, Vittoria della Rovere, who married Ferdinand II de Medici. These works went on to form the core of the future Uffizi Gallery. Among the works that went to Florence is the diptych of the Dukes of Urbino by Piero della Francesca. Other works of the Ducal Palace were brought to Rome, such as the Barberini Ex Tables of Fra Carnevale and the famous library, absorbed entirely by the Vatican Library in 1657.
The eighteenth century opened with the election to the papacy (1701) of Cardinal Giovan Francesco Albani Urbino, under the name of Clement XI. This was a windfall for the city, especially in terms of arts and culture, thanks to funding by Pope Albani and his family. Major renovations took place, such as Palazzo Albani, the town hall, the archbishop's palace, the Chapel Albani (inside the convent of St. Francis), Saint Joseph's Oratory, and the internal structure of the churches of San Francesco, San Domenico and San Agostino. In addition, due to the patronage of the pope and his family, the Duomo di Urbino received many improvements. From July 1717 to November 1718 Urbino hosted the court of James Stuart, the exiled pretender to the British throne, who had the strong backing of the papacy.
With the death of Clement XI in 1721, the city began a long decline that has continued to the present day. After the pope's death, the Albani family remained the main patron of the most significant works until the first half of the nineteenth century. In 1789, the collapse of the cathedral dome following a massive earthquake led to the total renovation of the church.
Between 1797 and 1800 the city was occupied by French troops, like much of northern and central Italy. Urbino and its territory lost many important works of art to the French, who moved objects to Paris or Milan, to the nascent galleries of the Louvre and Brera.[6]
The century opened with the consecration in 1809 of the new Duomo di Urbino, as designed by the architect Giuseppe Valadier. He also restored the city's Montefeltro-era buildings such as the old seminary, adjacent to the church of St. Sergius, now partly occupied by the Hotel Raffaello.
Following the construction of the New Palace of Alban (1831), designed by architect Peter Ghinelli, which gave rise to the present Piazza della Repubblica that went on to form the first part of the future Corso Garibaldi, the city experienced a number of urban improvements designed to change the face of the city. From the construction of the Sanzio theater (1845–53) came the final realization of Corso Garibaldi, with a covered walkway on the downhill side to that ensure theater-goers were sheltered from rain and snow on their walk to the Piazza della Repubblica, with construction that lasted until the early part of the twentieth century. In addition, another important change was the destruction, in 1868, of a part of the walls to create a customs barrier, called Porta Nuova or barrier Margherita (in honor of Princess Margaret of Savoy), which was necessitated by a new road that ran along a stretch of the walls and was connected to Corso Garibaldi. This resulted in a new urban layout with the large spit of land below the Doge's Palace incorporated into the city, called the Pincio.
These urban transformations brought about a change in access to the city. Instead of passing through narrow, winding streets, through the gates of the walls, now one could enter through the Porta Nuova in an easier and convenient way to arrive in the present Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo Ducale (the city center).
This urban renewal reflected many of the ideas of Fulvio Corboli but its design was largely done by the architect Vincenzo Ghinelli.[7]
On 8 September 1860 the Piedmontese troops entered Urbino from Port Saint Lucia, forcing the surrender of the last resistance of the papal army under the portico of the childhood house of Raphael. But it was not until 29 September, with the capture of Ancona, that the total conquest of the Marche region was completed by the Piedmont army.
Between 4 and 5 November, the plebiscite was held for the annexation of the Marche to the Kingdom of Sardinia, which ended with 133,783 votes in favor, 260 votes against and 1,212 invalid ballots. In the province of Urbino (excluding the territory of Pesaro) the count was 21,111 for and 365 against with 29 invalid ballots. Subsequently, on 10 November, the Marche was included in the Statuto Albertino, and then, on 17 December, it was made official with the issuance of a royal decree.[8]
The new government began the confiscation of various ecclesiastical goods, including good part of the convent of San Francisco (where a part of a botanical garden, designed by Vincenzo Ghinelli, was located), the monastery of Santa Chiara, that of San Girolamo, and many others.
The century began quietly. In addition to the artistic development from the Scuola del Libro, Urbino also began to grow as a university town, with the elevation to university faculty of nineteenth-century School of Pharmacy and the birth of the department of Education (approximately 1934). Due to these changes in the University, an increase in the student population led to housing shortages that highlighted the state of total unpreparedness of the city, so much that for the first time many students were housed in the homes of private citizens. The problem was partly solved with the establishment of the male boarding school "Raphael" at the beginning of the century, and the female boarding school "Laura Battiferri" in approximately 1926.
The fascist dictatorship left its mark on the city, especially from an architectural point of view, with a fascist elementary school "Giovanni Pascoli" (1932) built on the ancient Garden of Saint Lucia (part of the duke's private gardens), the restoration of the palace-Mauruzi Gherardi, then the seat of the court, as well as the Student House, to compensate for the shortage of accommodation as a result of the large increase in university population and housing for the maimed and disabled civilians.
In 1938, the city was designated as the headquarters for the fledgling Soprintendenza alle Gallerie e alle Opere d'Arte delle Marche, roughly translated as the Organization of Galleries and Works of Art of the Marche.
With the outbreak of World War II the city suffered no bombing, thanks to the large red cross painted on the roof of the Ducal Palace and an agreement between the Germans and the Allies. Only towards the end of the war did the retreating German troops try to destroy all the ramparts of the walls, but luckily the mines were tampered with by the workers the Germans had hired from Urbino. During the Second World War, the then Superintendent of the Galleries and Works of Art in Urbino in the Marche Pasquale Rotondi secretly placed around 10,000 priceless works (including those of Giorgione, Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, Titian, Mantegna, Raphael and many more, from all the major museums in Italy) that were being stolen by the Nazis into the Rock of Sassocorvaro. His actions gained worldwide recognition and to this day the Rock of Sassocorvaro is known as the "Ark of Art".[9]
Urbino was liberated from the Nazi occupation on 28 August 1944, thanks to the British V Corps, Polish troops, and the heroic actions of partisan groups in the area. Some of the members of these partisan groups were captured by the Nazis and executed on the current Punto Panoramica, where memorials are now placed celebrating their sacrifice.
The second half of the twentieth century was characterized in Urbino by the cooperation with the major public institutions (the University and the City) by the architect Giancarlo De Carlo. This relationship began in 1956 when Carlo Bo, former rector of the University, commissioned from De Carlo the internal renovation project of Montefeltro- Bonaventure building, headquarters of the University. Immediately after that, the Genoese architect was commissioned by the City to prepare the General Plan (1958–64) aimed at the recovery of the historical center, which had been in poor condition and was in danger of losing several neighborhoods including the Palazzo Ducale to the land subsidence below. This problem was solved thanks to state funding derived from two special laws enacted for the city (in 1968 and in 1982 ).
Subsequently, De Carlo realized several projects for the university including the college's dormitories, near the Capuchin church outside the city center, an interesting example of how architecture can merge with the surrounding landscape. He also completed projects like the construction of the department of Magisterium (1968–76), the restructuring of the department of Law ( 1966–68 ) and the Battiferri building (1986–99) for the department of Economics. They are three significant examples of the inclusion of a contemporary architecture in an ancient surrounding, and are still studied today.
The seventies were marked by a collaboration with the Municipality for a project called Operation Mercatale (1969–72), which included the construction of a multi-story underground car park under Torricini's famous Ducal Palace and the restoration of the helical ramp under the theater by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1971–75), in collaboration with the City. They also developed the project of renovation of the Sanzio theater (1977–82) and the renovation project, much discussed, of the ancient Ducal Stables. In addition, thanks to the close relationship with De Carlo, the city has hosted twice (1976–81, and 1992–93) the laboratories of the ILAUD, founded and directed by the Genoese architect.
One of the last of De Carlo actions was the preparation, between 1989 and 1994, of the New General Plan.
The clay earth of Urbino, which still supports industrial brickworks, supplied a cluster of earthenware manufactories (botteghe) making the tin-glazed pottery known as maiolica. Simple local wares were being made in the 15th century at Urbino, but after 1520 the Della Rovere dukes, Francesco Maria I della Rovere and his successor Guidobaldo II, encouraged the industry, which exported wares throughout Italy, first in a manner called istoriato using engravings after Mannerist painters, then in a style of light arabesques and grottesche after the manner of Raphael's stanze at the Vatican. Other centers of 16th century wares in the Duchy of Urbino were at Gubbio and Castel Durante. The great name in Urbino majolica was that of Nicolo Pillipario's son Guido Fontana.
The main attraction of Urbino is the Palazzo Ducale, begun in the second half of the 15th century by Federico II da Montefeltro. It houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.
Other buildings include Palazzo Albani (17th century), Palazzo Odasi and Palazzo Passionei.
The Albornoz Fortress (known locally as La Fortezza), built by the eponymous Papal legate in the 14th century.[10] In 1507-1511, when the Della Rovere added a new series of walls to the city, the rock was enclosed in them. It is now a public park.
Urbino as seen from a kiteDuomo: the Cathedral of Urbino was founded in 1021 atop a 6th-century religious edifice. Federico II commissioned the design from the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, who also designed the Ducal Palace. Finished in 1604, the Duomo had a simple plan with a nave and two aisles, and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1789. The church was rebuilt in Neoclassic style by the architect Giuseppe Valadier, with work completed in 1801. The new church has a soaring dome, and houses a St Sebastian (1557), an Assumption (1701) by Maratta, and a famous Last Supper (1603–1608) by Federico Barocci.
Sant'Agostino: the church was built in 13th-century Romanesque style, but largely modified in following centuries. The façade has a late-14th century almond portal in Gothic-Romanesque style, while the interior is greatly decorated. It houses a carved choir from the 16th century, created for the marriage of Costanzo Sforza and Camilla of Aragona. The bell tower is from the 15th century.
San Francesco: This 14th-century church was originally a Gothic-Romanesque edifice, but an 18th-century restoration has left only the portico and the bell tower. The interior has a nave and two aisles, and houses the Pardon of St Francis, a 15th-century work by Barocci.
Oratory of San Giuseppe (early 16th century), composed of two chapels: one of which contains a 16th-century stucco presepio or Nativity scene by Federico Brandani with highly naturalistic, life-size figures.
San Bernardino: church outside the city center, housing the tombs of the Dukes of Urbino.
^Bossi, Annarita (2004). "Monumenti" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 6 May 2005. Retrieved 19 July 2018. According to other sources, the castle was instead built by Albornoz's successor as legate in Urbino, Anglico Grimoard (1367-1371)
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