Urbania is a lively medieval town in central Italy where you can experience Italian life in a friendly small-town atmosphere. Although it’s in a scenic position in the hills, the town itself is flat, making it pleasant for walking. Urbania has good restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a good base for exploring the region.

During the early Middle Ages, prior to being taken over by the Duke of Urbino, the town was known as Casteldurante. Urbania’s Ducal Palace served as the vacation home of the Duke of Urbino, contributing significantly to the cultural and artistic development of the town. Urbania has long been one of Italy’s most important centers for ceramics, which further adds to its charm.

Urbania Location

Urbania lies on the Metauro River in the northern part of central Italy’s Le Marche region, one of Italy’s most remote and least touristed regions. Urbania is situated approximately 17km from the beautiful Renaissance hill town of Urbino, a principal inland city of Le Marche. Additionally, it’s about 50km from the Adriatic coast to the east, and near the regions of Umbria and Tuscany to the west.

Urbania Transportation

The closest train stations to Urbania are located in Pesaro and Fano on the Adriatic coast. From these stations, bus services are available to reach Urbania. Notably, there is one bus daily (except Sundays and holidays) from Rome-Tiburtina station to Urbino. Once in Urbino, passengers can easily board buses to Urbania, with travel times ranging from 35 to 45 minutes. The closest airports are Rimini and Ancona, both situated along the Adriatic coast.

Urbania itself is compact and can be easily explored on foot. Parking is conveniently available around the perimeter of the town.

Urbania Attractions

The attractions in Urbania are all centrally located, making them easily accessible by foot:

• Urbania’s Ducal Palace, once the summer residence of the Duke of Urbino, now houses the Civic Museum, library, and art gallery. Visitors can explore historical ceramics, paintings, engravings, and a comprehensive globe and map collection. The Agriculture Museum can also be accessed with the Ducal Palace admission ticket, featuring exhibits that explore winemaking and agricultural life of the past.
• The mummies cemetery in the Chiesa dei Morti, or Church of the Dead, features 18 naturally mummified corpses on display.
• The Cathedral – originally the Benedictine Abbey of St. Christopher was built in the sixth century and reduced to its present size in 1759. The town of Casteldurante grew around this cathedral, which opens to a large public square.
• Museo Diocensano, the former Bishop’s residence, displays a variety of ceramics and paintings spanning from the 1300s to 1900s.
• The Church of San Francesco, built in 1284, was reconstructed in the 18th century in Baroque style, showcasing important works from the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Local ceramics are crafted in family-run workshops throughout Urbania, with numerous shops showcasing high-quality pottery, including a notable one called Ceramica d’Arte L’Antica Casteldurante di Gilberto Galavotti e Giuliano Smacchia, located at Piazza Cavour 4.
• Enoteca Vin Italy offers opportunities to sample and purchase local wines.
• The Bramante Theater, built between 1857 and 1864 on the remains of an ancient fortress, occasionally hosts public performances, including a free opera performance in early August by students from the Italian Operatic Experience.
• The main square of Urbania is always vibrant, providing an excellent location for people-watching. The square hosts several ice cream and pastry shops, bars, and the historic Bramante Theater.

Urbania Ceramics

Urbania has been recognized as a center for handmade ceramics since the 15th century. Today, visitors can explore workshops where artists create unique pieces, purchase high-quality handmade ceramics, and even participate in ceramics classes. Many modern items are, in fact, replicas of local 15th and 16th-century ceramics, carefully copied from their original forms.

One of the best-known ceramics workshops is Ceramica d’Arte L’Antica Casteldurante di Gilberto Galavotti e Giuliano Smacchia, located at Piazza Cavour 4. This workshop offers an assortment of beautiful ceramic pieces in various sizes, with options for special orders available as well.

For those interested in taking an art class while in Urbania, the Associazione Amici della Ceramica Urbania provides ceramics, painting, and sculpting classes ranging from half a day to a full week or longer for both beginners and experienced individuals.

Where to Stay in Urbania

While there are no hotels in Urbania’s historic center, a variety of Airbnb rentals and several B&Bs are available. Within a 10-minute walk from the center, options such as Hotel Bramante Spa offer modern accommodations, while Country House Parco Ducale is another excellent choice just outside the town center.

Schools in Urbania

Scuola Italia offers Italian language courses suitable for students of all proficiency levels. Accommodation options are provided with local families, in apartments, or nearby guest houses or hotels. Students also have the opportunity to practice their language skills right in Urbania.

During the summer, Dance Master Class organizes a comprehensive dance curriculum featuring programs for both adults and juniors. Students may also choose to take Italian or English lessons, culminating in a performance at Urbania’s historic Bramante Theater at the end of the season.

Urbania Festivals

July 25 marks Saint Christopher’s Day, celebrated with a grand procession to honor Urbania’s patron saint. The following Sunday often includes a blessing of cars and a costumed horse race. Furthermore, the summer months are filled with various festivals and music events. During my visit in July, I enjoyed free outdoor entertainment every night. Additionally, a ceramics fair is held in June, while January 2-6 features a significant festival for Epiphany and La Befana.

Near Urbania – Peglio, Urbino, and Mercatello sul Metauro

Peglio is a picturesque hilltop village located just 3km from Urbania, featuring a bell tower dating back to 1485. Visitors can take a scenic walk along a path constructed on the cliff’s edge, offering a breathtaking “bird’s eye view” of the mountains and valleys of central Italy.

The beautiful Renaissance hill town of Urbino, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is situated 17km east of Urbania.

To the west of Urbania lies the charming market town of Mercatello sul Metauro, while the notable town of Carpegna, located in the mountains to the north, is famous for its authentic prosciutto. Carpegna is home to one of the last artisan producers of block printed cloth.