Urbino was the capital of the State, a fact that is reflected by its splendid Ducal Palace, built for Federico da Montefeltro (1422-1482). Federico entrusted the works for his palace to the most famous architects of the 15th century (Gentile Veterani, Leon Battista Alberti, Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini), with the aim of making it the main court residence and a symbol of his power. The heart of the palace is Federico's Study with its inlaid work in which it is possible to "read" some of the most important themes of the Renaissance.
Today the Palace is home to the National Gallery of the Marches, which is filled with a wide array of works of art. Two pieces in particular ("La Muta" and "Saint Catherine of Alexandria") were painted by Urbino's most illustrious son: Raphael.

ENTER