Urbino Cathedral
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Urbino Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, stands as the principal Catholic church in Urbino, Italy. Originally founded in 1021, it was rebuilt in the 15th century under Duke Federico da Montefeltro with designs attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The cathedral showcases a blend of Renaissance origins and Neoclassical reconstruction, particularly after the 1789 earthquake which destroyed its original dome. Architect Giuseppe Valadier led the Neoclassical redesign completed in 1801, featuring a Latin cross plan, barrel-vaulted nave, and an impressive coffered cupola. The exterior is notable for its stone façade from Furlo, adorned with five statues representing theological virtues and saints. Inside, the cathedral houses significant artworks including canvases by Federico Barocci, Carlo Maratta, Carlo Cignani, and a main altarpiece by Christopher Unterberger. The tomb of the humanist Polydore Vergil was once located here, reflecting the cathedral's cultural importance. Today, it remains a vital religious and historical landmark within Urbino's UNESCO World Heritage historic center.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit outside major religious holidays for a quieter experience. Booking guided tours or tickets in advance can enhance the visit, especially during peak tourist seasons. The cathedral is accessible via Urbino's city center, and visitors should check opening hours, particularly around special liturgical events. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The best time to visit is spring through early autumn when the city and cathedral are most vibrant.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral is part of Urbino's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 for its Renaissance architecture.
- •The façade features five statues symbolizing the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, flanked by statues of Saint Augustine and Saint John Chrysostom.
- •The original dome collapsed during a powerful earthquake in 1789 and was rebuilt in Neoclassical style by Giuseppe Valadier.
- •The humanist scholar Polydore Vergil, who died in Urbino in 1555, was buried in the cathedral, though his memorial stone was lost in the earthquake of 1789.
- •The cathedral's interior includes notable artworks by Federico Barocci, Carlo Maratta, Carlo Cignani, and Christopher Unterberger.
History
The first cathedral on the site was established in 1021, replacing an earlier church outside the city walls.
In the late 15th century, Duke Federico da Montefeltro commissioned a major reconstruction attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini, aligning the cathedral with Renaissance ideals.
Construction extended into the early 17th century, including the dome designed by Muzio Oddi.
Two earthquakes in 1781 and 1789 severely damaged the structure, destroying the façade and collapsing the dome.
Subsequently, architect Camillo Morigia designed the new façade, and Giuseppe Valadier led the Neoclassical restoration completed by 1801.
The cathedral was elevated to a minor basilica in 1950 and underwent restoration after the 2016 earthquake, reopening in 2020.
Place Guide
West Façade1782
Designed by Camillo Morigia and completed in 1782, the façade is built from Furlo stone and adorned with five statues representing theological virtues and saints. It features elegant composite capitals and an inscription thanking the University for funding the roof.
Neoclassical Interior1801
Rebuilt by Giuseppe Valadier after the 1789 earthquake, the interior features a Latin cross plan with a barrel-vaulted nave and side aisles. The crossing supports a magnificent coffered dome with pendentives depicting the Four Evangelists.
Artworks by Federico BarocciLate 16th century
Two important canvases by Barocci are housed here: Saint Sebastian in the north aisle and the Last Supper in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, exemplifying Renaissance religious art.
Main AltarpieceLate 18th century
The main altarpiece depicts the Madonna between Urbino's patron saints, painted by Christopher Unterberger, adding to the cathedral’s rich collection of sacred art.
Contact
Phone: 0722 322529
