Duchy of Urbino

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. Often referred to as atown in the shape of a palace, it housed 500 to 600 inhabitants, including numerous servants needed for its operations. The extensive underground rooms where the servants worked and lived have been renovated and opened to the public. Below the palace were stables, kitchens, laundry rooms, an ice room for refrigeration, and the Duke’s baths, reminiscent of Roman baths.