Urbino and...
Urbino is a “city in the form of a palace.” The famous courtesan Baldassarre Castiglione defined the “Palazzo Ducale” in Urbino, as one of the most beautiful and interesting architectural wonders of the Renaissance.
Nowadays it surprises its visitors with its still-intact architecture and the masterpieces contained within its walls. The “Torricini” (twin turrets) of the western-facing formal façade of the Ducal Palace seem to be admiring or guarding the territory of the Montefeltro Dukes. From Urbino various itineraries begin which weave through areas representing a heritage of extraordinary artistic, historic and panoramic interest. Following the old ducal road one arrives at the town of Urbania; Urbania (in past centuries known as Casteldurante) has its own fifteenth century “Palazzo Ducale” which is home to a museum with fourteenth century frescoes, sixteenth and seventeenth century paintings, majolica works, early printed works and numerous fifteenth century Spanish gold coins (cinquecentine). Going north, one arrives in the heart of the historic Montefeltro Duchy, with S. Leo, Sassocorvaro, Macerata Feltria and Carpegna; all of these places are ancient seats of parish churches, and can boast palaces, castles, fortresses and small forts. Southwards the places holding the highest historical and architectural interest are Fossombrone, the Furlo Pass (la “Gola del Furlo”) with an early Christian-era church nearby, Cagli and Frontone. Continuing, one arrives at the “Gola della Rossa” where the spectacular “Grotte di Frasassi” caverns are well worth a visit.
The "Torricini" of ducal Palace of Urbino look west, almost to admire, or control, the territory of the Dukes of Montefeltro.
The "Flagellation" of Piero della Francesca, one of the most cryptic and fascinating paintings preserved inside of the Marche National Gallery hosted by ducal Palace of Urbino.
The study of the Duke, unsurpassed masterpiece of local crafts entirely inlaid with almost 200 different wood types.
The "Desecration of the Ostia" one of the masterpieces of Paolo Uccello and also among the first works where the outcome of the studies on the perspective in painting is evident.
You cannot have remained in Urbino without having visited the "native Raphael House" where the young artist lived until the age of 8 years.
One of the most interesting itineraries citizens is that the oratories and confraternities which at Urbino were numerous. That of Saint Giovanni has the beautiful frescos of the Salimbeni brothers.
|
Nature...
If it is true that art and culture have made Urbino a European capital, it is also true that the natural environment and landscape of Urbino has made an important contribution. Nowhere, better than a Country house like Colleverde, can you enjoy walking in woods and trails in direct contact with nature.
It is not rare encounter deer or other animals that still inhabitat, undisturbed, the surrounding woods.
The morning low clouds often create characteristic "island" effects that makes these places poetic and suggestive.
The forest is the ideal environment for making long walks on the many trails for the trekking around the country house.
During the tours in the forests, it is not uncommon to encounter squirrels and other small animals.
There is a large expanses of flowery fields bordering the crops and the hills that surround the country house.
|
Oengastronomy
 The discovery of a territory so rich in resources could not be more fun and full of unique and different flavours.
Appreciate what the earth produces generously and the wise hands over the centuries have learned to turn into the typical products of the area.
Crescia, Casciotta, delicious egg's pasta, excellent wines, and on all, truffles which located here finds areas of selection everywhere.
The white valuable truffle of Acqualagna, rare fruit of the Earth is the basis of many local dishes.
Precious salami, meat and olive oil are always most excellent products that the territory can offer.
The “trench cheese", the typical "Casciotta" of Urbino and ripened cheese of Montefeltro are typically true "pearls" of the national oengastronomic production.
Fresh pasta made from flour and eggs and the typical "crescia" of Urbino are always the basis of the local cuisine dishes.
Fine wines including a white greatly appreciated like the "Bianchello of the Metauro DOC", an indigenous wine of the zone and the reds like "Sangiovese".
|
