Immersing yourself in the city of Urbino means embarking on a true urban journey of ups and downs through stone-paved alleyways, hidden staircases and little secret squares where ancient chapels and palaces—still home to the University—or lively student hangouts peek out at every turn. Nestled between the Metauro and Foglia valleys on gentle hills that slope toward the Adriatic Sea, this city tells its story as a centre of the Italian Renaissance through an artistic and architectural heritage that enchants at every step. In the surrounding area, rolling hills and ancient woods alternate with picturesque villages, offering scenes of unspoiled nature and atmospheres steeped in history. Thus, this corner of the Marche becomes an invitation to a slow-paced and surprising journey—exploring medieval lanes, discovering panoramic routes on foot or by mountain bike, and savouring the simple pleasure of a fragrant crescia sfogliata.
Urbino: Guardian of Masterpieces and Knowledge
Strolling along the cobbled streets of Urbino feels like stepping back into the golden age of the Renaissance. In the fifteenth century, the city emerged as one of the cradle-spots of Italian humanistic culture. In 1998, its historic centre—remarkably well preserved—was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized for its exceptional urban fabric and for having attracted artists and scholars such as Piero della Francesca, Luciano Laurana, Leon Battista Alberti and Giovanni Santi, Raffaello’s father.
Today, Urbino still retains the harmony of a human-scale microcosm. Its beating heart is the majestic Ducal Palace, now home to the National Gallery of the Marche, whose elegant lines converse with the rear façade of the Cathedral, also designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini for Duke Federico da Montefeltro and later renewed in Neoclassical style. You can enjoy one of the city’s most evocative panoramas from the Albornoz Fortress—home to the “Bella Gerit” Museum of archaeological finds and historic weaponry. A visit to Raffaello’s Birthplace is equally unmissable: here the young artist took his first steps under his father’s guidance, and the house still radiates the magic of his origins.
Every viewpoint unveils a unique vista of the surrounding hills, painted in shades of green and ochre, like a living Renaissance masterpiece.
Authentic Villages and Atmospheres
In the countryside around Urbino, the Marche come alive through enchanting villages, each a keeper of millennia-old stories and traditions. Gradara, perched on its hill, seduces visitors with its Malatesta Castle—the stage for legendary tales of love that still echo among its battlements. A little further on, Fossombrone, framed by the calm waters of the Metauro, reveals Roman ruins and narrow medieval lanes perfect for losing yourself among hidden courtyards and historic palaces. Mondavio, enclosed by intact walls, offers views of circular towers and panoramic bastions: along its flower-lined streets are artisan shops showcasing local ceramics and leather goods, while the taverns in the square invite you to sip a glass of Rosso Conero paired with homemade tagliatelle.
Hidden gems such as Urbania, known as Italy’s woodcarving capital, and Sassocorvaro, with its Rocca Ubaldinesca overlooking the Foglia River—ideal for a sunset stroll—add to the region’s charm. In spring, the surrounding meadows bloom with broom and daisies, while the hills offer trekking paths and cycle routes that connect these villages in a slow itinerary, dotted with ancient hermitages and endless panoramas. At every stop, you’ll be tempted to taste organic wines in local enotecas, savour crisp crescia salate fresh from the oven, and discover the most authentic face of the Marche.
The Montefeltro Hills and the Surrounding Nature
There’s a reason why the Marche hills are beloved by trekking and mountain bike enthusiasts: the panoramas are breathtaking and the trails wind swiftly toward hilltop villages and isolated chapels. The sun-drenched Montefeltro hills—shaped by centuries of peasant labour—unfold in a patchwork of oak woods, ancient chestnut groves and golden fields of wheat and sunflowers. At 1,415 metres, Monte Carpegna dominates the skyline, offering 360° views: on the clearest days you can make out the Marche hills, the Adriatic and the Apennine ridgeline beyond. Trails marked by the CAI, like route no. 103 through the Sasso Simone e Simoncello Regional Natural Park, lead to wind-sculpted badlands, awe-inspiring vistas and mountain huts where you can pause to enjoy local specialties.
Locanda della Valle Nuova: An Eco-Friendly Oasis for Your Stay in Urbino
Just a few kilometres from Urbino, tucked away in the tranquil countryside of Fermignano, Locanda della Valle Nuova is the perfect choice for travellers seeking an authentic and sustainable stay. The apartments—carefully renovated in a 1920s farmhouse—feature fully equipped kitchens, private terraces and furnishings that blend modern design with warm comfort. Here, 100% of electricity and heating comes from renewable sources: photovoltaic panels and solar collectors work in harmony with an efficient wood-fired system, fuelled by responsibly managed estate forests.
Mornings begin with km 0 local produce, and twice a week, by reservation, you can enjoy a lunch prepared with fresh vegetables from the organic garden. For those eager to explore, bicycles for hire, horseback rides and truffle-hunting excursions are available, while the panoramic swimming pool offers moments of pure relaxation overlooking the rolling hills.
Locanda della Valle Nuova – Green Farm house in Fermignano, PU, Marche, IT 
