A journey in the footsteps of the great Raphael in Urbino is best begun at the place where it all began - Casa Natale di Raffaello. This unassuming three-story house at 57 Via Raffaello is the birthplace of one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance. The building, preserved almost unchanged since the 15th century, has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the artist and his family. Raphael's father, Giovanni Santi, was a respected painter at the court of the Duke of Urbino, which had a great influence on the development of the young Raphael's talent.

The interior of the house impresses with its authenticity and simplicity. On the first floor is the former studio of the artist's father, where the young Raphael took his first steps in painting. Here you can admire several original frescoes by Giovanni Santi, which give an idea of the artistic atmosphere in which the future master grew up. On the second floor is the room where, according to tradition, Raphael was born, as well as a small exhibition displaying copies of his most famous works. Particularly moving is the Madonna della Seggiola, the original of which is in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. The museum, though small, offers an intimate look at the beginnings of the artistic path of one of the most important artists in the history of European art.

Note the small garden behind the house, which is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. According to local accounts, it was here that the young Raphael observed nature and learned to render its beauty in his early sketches. The museum is relatively small, allowing an hour to thoroughly explore the exhibition. Ticket prices are affordable, making this place accessible to any art lover.

After leaving Raphael's house, it's worth directing your steps toward Teatro Raffaello Sanzio, which is named after the great artist. This 19th-century theater, although not directly linked to Raphael's era, is an important part of the city's cultural heritage and proof of how deeply the painter's figure has become part of Urbino's identity. The theater, with its distinctive neoclassical facade, is located at Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi 82 and regularly hosts theatrical performances, concerts and other cultural events. The interior of the theater impresses with its elegance and traditional Italian layout with boxes surrounding the auditorium. Even if you miss a performance, it's worth checking out the foyer, which often hosts small exhibitions related to the history of the theater and the city.

As you continue your journey in the footsteps of Raphael, it's impossible to miss the Palazzo Ducale, the monumental ducal palace that is the architectural heart of Urbino. Built in the 15th century at the behest of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, this imposing structure witnessed Raphael's childhood and youth. The palace, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy, now houses the National Gallery of the Marche, where works of art from the 14th to 17th centuries can be admired.

Among the exhibits are several works attributed to the young Raphael or his workshop, including 'Portrait of a Young Woman' also known as 'La Muta.' This painting, painted around 1507, shows an unknown lady with a mysterious gaze and is one of the gallery's most valuable treasures. In addition to works by Raphael, the collection includes works by such masters as Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, Titian and Federico Barocci. Particularly noteworthy is Piero della Francesca's famous 'Scourging of Christ' - a masterpiece of Renaissance perspective and composition.

The palace is a work of art in itself. Its harmonious proportions, elegant courtyards and richly decorated interiors are a perfect example of the Renaissance concept of the ideal city. Visiting the ducal chambers, the library, the chapel and Prince Federico's famous studiolo - a cabinet decorated with marquetry depicting illusionistic perspectives - you can feel the atmosphere of one of the most important centers of Renaissance culture in Europe. It was in this intellectual environment that the genius of the young Raphael took shape.

The historic center (Unesco) of Urbino was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 as an exceptional example of a Renaissance city and cultural center of great importance for the development of art and architecture. Walking through the narrow, winding streets, you can feel the spirit of the era in which Raphael lived and worked. The city center has preserved its medieval urban layout with Renaissance additions, creating a harmonious whole that takes visitors back in time.

Piazza Rinascimento, the city's main square, is the perfect starting point for exploring the historic center. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the imposing facade of the Palazzo Ducale, the square bustles with activity both during the day and in the evening. It is here that locals and tourists gather to enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the numerous cafes or simply admire the architectural beauty of the surroundings. Note Urbino's distinctive combination of brick and stone in the buildings surrounding the square, which gives the city a warm, golden hue, especially beautiful in the light of the setting sun.

Punto Panoramico di Urbino, located at Via dei Maceri 45, offers one of the most beautiful views of the city and the surrounding hills of the Marche region. This vantage point, although a bit far from the main tourist attractions, is worth the short climb. The panoramic view from here allows one to appreciate the harmonious integration of the city into the landscape, which was one of the ideals of Renaissance urban planning. The view is especially spectacular at sunset, when the last rays of the sun give the brick roofs and walls a golden glow. This is the perfect place to take souvenir photos and a moment to reflect on the beauty and history of this unique city.

It is impossible to talk about Urbino without mentioning its rich museum collections. The Museo diocesano Albani, located in the former bishop's palace at Piazza Pascoli 1, displays an impressive collection of sacred art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Among the most valuable exhibits are 15th-century altar paintings, sculptures, reliquaries and richly decorated liturgical vestments. The museum, though smaller and less well-known than the National Gallery in the Palazzo Ducale, offers a fascinating insight into the religious dimension of the region's art. Of particular note are works by local artists who worked in the shadow of great masters such as Raphael, but whose works have undeniable artistic and historical value.

The museum's collection is organized chronologically, making it possible to trace the evolution of artistic styles over the centuries. From the Byzantine influence evident in the oldest exhibits, to Gothic expression, to Renaissance harmony and Baroque splendor, the exhibition offers a complete overview of the development of sacred art in the region. Ticket prices are moderate, and the museum is less frequented by tourists than the city's main attractions, allowing for a leisurely and unhurried visit.

Another fascinating place to visit is the Gabinetto di Fisica, or the Cabinet of Physics, located at Piazza della Repubblica 1. Part of the University of Urbino, this unusual museum displays historical scientific instruments and apparatus used to study and teach physics from the 18th to 20th centuries. The collection includes precision astronomical, optical, electrical and mechanical instruments that give an idea of the development of science in the Age of Enlightenment and beyond. Of particular interest are 18th-century models of the solar system, historical microscopes and telescopes, and early devices for experiments with electricity.

The museum, though small, offers a fascinating journey through the history of science and technology, reminding us that Urbino was not only a center for the arts, but also for science and education. The exhibits are accompanied by detailed descriptions that explain their operation and historical significance. For those interested in the history of science, the Gabinetto di Fisica is a real gem, often overlooked by tourists focusing mainly on the artistic aspects of the city's heritage.

Fortezza Albornoz, a massive fortress towering over the city, is an excellent example of medieval military architecture that was later modified during the Renaissance. Built in the 14th century on the orders of Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, the fortress was intended to protect the city and demonstrate the power of the papacy in the region. Its walls offer a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photographers and panoramic view enthusiasts.

The fortress' interior is now used as an exhibition space and venue for cultural events. The massive walls, towers and courtyards give an idea of the building's military past, while offering an interesting perspective on the development of defense techniques over the centuries. Fortezza Albornoz is particularly attractive to families with children, who can explore its nooks and crannies, imagining life in a medieval fortress.

Urbino is not just about monuments and museums - the city also offers spaces where you can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy nature. Parco della Resistenza, a sprawling city park located near Fortezza Albornoz, is an ideal oasis of peace and greenery. Named after Italy's World War II resistance movement, the park offers shady alleys, benches and vantage points from which to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. It's a popular spot among locals, who come here for a morning jog, an afternoon stroll or a picnic on their days off.

The park is especially beautiful in spring, when the trees and shrubs are in bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves turn golden and red. There is a small playground for families with children, and active recreation enthusiasts can use the jogging paths. Admission to the park is free, making it accessible to all visitors to the city. It's the perfect place to catch your breath after a busy day of sightseeing and experience a more contemporary face of Urbino.

Despite its historic character, Urbino teems with contemporary cultural life, thanks in large part to the presence of a university and art schools. The Accademia di Belle Arti di Urbino, one of the oldest fine arts academies in Italy, continues the city's artistic traditions, educating the next generation of painters, sculptors and designers. Although the academy itself is not a typical tourist site, its presence is felt throughout the city - in galleries displaying the work of students, in art workshops and at numerous cultural events.

The Higher Institute for Artistic Industries is another prestigious educational institution that attracts young, creative people from all over Italy and abroad to Urbino. Specializing in graphic design, visual communication and new media, the institute hosts exhibitions and events open to the public that provide an interesting counterpoint to the city's historic heritage. The presence of students and artists gives Urbino a unique atmosphere - a mix of respect for tradition and openness to new ideas.

For those who want to take a piece of Urbino's artistic spirit with them, local stores and galleries offer a wide selection of handicrafts and souvenirs. Particularly noteworthy are the traditional ceramic wares, which hark back to the famous majolica of Urbino - one of the most important ceramic traditions of Renaissance Italy. The Amicucci store at Via Giuseppe Tomassini 1 offers high-quality art reproductions, books on the history and culture of the region, and elegant souvenirs related to Raphael and the city's Renaissance heritage.

For lovers of traditional craftsmanship, Stamperia d'Arte Ca' Virginio di Carla Luminati is a real gem. Continuing centuries-old printing traditions, this small printmaking workshop offers handmade prints, exlibrises and greeting cards. Here you can not only purchase unique works, but also see the process of their creation and talk to the artists about their work. This is a great opportunity to see how historical artistic techniques are adapted to modern needs and tastes.

Emozioni in legno, on the other hand, is a store specializing in wood products, from elegant utilitarian items to artistic sculptures and decorations. All products are made by local artisans, often using traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. The quality and originality of the items offered here make them a perfect souvenir of a trip or a unique gift for loved ones.

After an eventful day, Art Cafè Urbino at Via Valerio 18 offers a space where you can relax with a cup of excellent Italian coffee or a glass of local wine. This stylish café, which combines the functions of an art gallery and meeting place, often hosts small exhibitions of works by local artists. The interior, decorated with sensitivity and respect for the building's historic architecture, creates a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxing and reflecting on your impressions of visiting the city.

Urbino, though small, offers an extremely rich cultural and historical experience. From the house where Raphael was born, to the monumental Palazzo Ducale, to the charming streets of the historic center, every corner of the city tells a fascinating story about the Renaissance ideals of beauty, harmony and knowledge. At the same time, contemporary cultural life, fueled by the presence of students and artists, gives the city a vitality and energy that goes beyond its status as an open-air museum.

A visit to Urbino is not only a journey in the footsteps of one of history's greatest artists, but also an opportunity to experience authentic Italian culture away from the crowds of tourists filling more famous destinations. It's a city that invites you to explore slowly, to stop and contemplate, to enjoy the beauty that inspired Raphael and continues to inspire generations of artists and art lovers.