Not only did the trip provide us with a wonderful, hands-on experience about the history of Urbino and the Renaissance capital it was, but it also introduced us to the city’s contemporary culture. After a day of touring the beautiful churches and palaces, all of the students and staff attended a gargantuan feast. One of the greatest features about being a part of this study abroad program is the relationship built with the staff and professors. As we sat down for dinner, I had my roommates on my left and my Italian professor and program assistant on my right. - Jackson, Fall 2019

Urbino is located in the Marche in central Italy, towards the east, facing the Adriatic Sea. Le Marche may not be as popular as the Tuscan region, but its characteristic rolling hills and lush countryside is just as breathtaking, perhaps even more so, as it is lesser known and undiscovered territory by tourists. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and has a rich legacy of independent Renaissance culture due in large part to the leadership of its famous Duke, Federico da Montefeltro, Lord of Urbino from 1444 until his death. A small, walled town nestled in high up in the Marche hills that almost resembles a picturesque snow globe, Urbino is slightly isolated, as the nearest train station an hour away by car, and yet this seems to add to its attraction as it could be considered a town that has changed little since the Renaissance period and is not as metropolitan as other, larger cities.

At night the streets come alive with students congregating in the piazza and musicians setting up on the street, and during the day the locals frequent the market and squares.  Urbino is not large by any means, but the city’s university, Università di Carlo Bò, has brought a student population of about 14,000 to the city of around 15,000, thereby creating a college town with almost as many students as locals. And yet, there is an easy symbiosis between university students and locals that balances the city, bringing a small-town friendliness in every aspect.

Students visiting Urbino will walk the hilly streets and amongst the twisting alleyways and porticos around the city. They will visit he house of Raphael, Urbino born world famous artist, as well as many other sites that the small city hides among its hilly street: the oratory of San Giovanni Battista is a hidden gem, located after many twists and turns, down a one-way street. It’s known for its’ gothic 14th century gothic style frescos. Next up is the visit of the Ducal Palace, one of the most important monuments in all of Italy. Here students will learn about the Duke of Montefeltro and his important role in ruling Urbino and in the renaissance itself. They will see his study, the twin chapels, and all the important artwork inside from Raphael to Piero della Francesca.

Urbino’s group meal is always a treat as students taste the local cuisine- pasatelli pasta is made from breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and egg cooked in broth, usually topped with a meat sauce. The piadine is a flat bread that everyone loves for aperitivo, usually paired with cheeses and raw ham.