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Urbino is the chief city (or rather, according to its name, "two cities") in the province of Romagna in the Marche region, south and east of Tuscany and extending to the Adriatic. It has been described as "the perfect Renaissance city." The main portion is high on a circular hill and the "lower" portion is at the foot of the hill (thus, two cities). It is the home of a major university and outstanding art works by della Robbia, della Francesca, Uccello, Botticelli, and Raphael, and architecture by Laurana and Bramante.

The dominant feature of Urbino is the Ducal Palace, placed atop the dramatic steep hill and marked by twin towers underneath which are balconies from which the Duke addressed his subjects. Urbino was ruled by the Montefeltro family from 1213 to 1508; the family’s most famous ruler was Federico, who had the palace built in 15C. The most striking feature of the extensive palace (often called a city in itself) is the Duke’s study, which contains some of the most beautiful inlaid wood pictures in the world. The duchy was held from 1508 to 1631 by the Della Rovere family, and then incorporated into the States of the Church, under direct authority of the Pope.

Urbino was a walled city, as were most Italian towns and cities. Major portions of the wall and some gates still stand. Outside the main gate in a small park is the modern war memorial pictured here. The crucifix is included simply because of the unusual fact that Christ is robed on the cross.

The Polenta (corn meal mush) was being made in the pot for a street fair. It was then cooled into blocks which were cut by thread into serving portions and then topped by a meat and bean sauce (much like chili), resulting in Pollentone alla Carbonara (according to the sellers at the booth). It was delicious! Street fairs there also provided a wide assortment of unusual candies, nuts, honeys, meats, breads, and confections.