Province of Pesaro e Urbino

This province is where Italy’s soul shows itself quietly but powerfully. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Raphael through Urbino’s cobbled streets, soaking up sun in Pesaro, exploring medieval hilltop hamlets, or hiking through centuries-old woodlands, Pesaro e Urbino delivers art, nature, and tradition in equal measure.

Province of Pesaro e Urbino, Le Marche

Urbino: The Renaissance City on a Hill

The jewel of the province, and one of Italy’s great cultural centers, is Urbino, a perfectly preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on twin hills and surrounded by walls, Urbino’s harmonious urban design, terracotta roofs, and timeless views make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Its crown jewel is the Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture commissioned by Duke Federico da Montefeltro in the 15th century. This palace, with its twin turrets and elegant courtyards, now houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, one of Italy’s top art museums. Inside are works by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Titian, and Paolo Uccello.

Urbino is also the birthplace of Raphael, and his childhood home is now a museum, where you can see early works and explore the atmosphere that shaped a genius.

The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, lending it a youthful, intellectual energy that contrasts beautifully with its noble past.

Pesaro: Music, Beaches, and Belle Époque Elegance

On the other side of the province, Pesaro is a lively coastal city known for its sandy beaches, Liberty-style architecture, and vibrant cultural life. It’s also the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, and the city celebrates his legacy every August with the internationally renowned Rossini Opera Festival.

The Palazzo Mosca Civic Museums and the Rossini House offer glimpses into the city’s rich musical and artistic heritage, while the Piazza del Popolo, with its central fountain and arcaded buildings, is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and people-watch.

Pesaro’s beachfront is a long, clean stretch lined with palm trees, bike paths, beach clubs, and family-friendly spaces. It has earned the “Bandiera Blu” (Blue Flag) for its water quality and environmental standards.

For a walk with a view, head to the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park, which rises just north of Pesaro. Here, cliffside trails overlook hidden coves and the shimmering Adriatic, with wildflowers, sea birds, and Renaissance villas along the way.

Gradara, Fano, and Romantic Hilltop Towns

Beyond the twin capitals, Pesaro e Urbino is rich with hilltowns and fortified villages that seem untouched by time.

Gradara is one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Its perfectly preserved castle was the setting for the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalized in Dante’s *Inferno*. You can walk the ramparts, visit the richly decorated interiors, and explore cobbled streets lined with boutiques and trattorias.

Fano, a short drive from Pesaro, is an elegant seaside town with both Roman and Renaissance roots. Known for its carnival (one of the oldest in Italy) and long beaches, Fano blends culture and relaxation with style. Don’t miss the Arch of Augustus, ancient city walls, and charming harbor.

Pergola, Sant’Angelo in Vado, and Cagli are delightful small towns inland, each with unique festivals, beautiful piazzas, and artisan traditions such as gilded bronze sculpture, truffle hunting, and handmade lace.

Nature & Adventure: From Forests to River Valleys

The province’s natural beauty is as impressive as its cultural riches. The Apennines rise gently in this area, providing a playground for outdoor lovers and a peaceful escape from modern life.

The Furlo Gorge (Gola del Furlo) is a dramatic canyon carved by the Candigliano River. Hike through ancient Roman tunnels, spot golden eagles overhead, or enjoy a picnic with views over the turquoise river and towering cliffs.

The Alpe della Luna and Cesane Forests are havens for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. These ancient woodlands are full of myths, mushrooms, and quiet paths that seem to belong to another world.

In the Metauro Valley, rolling hills are covered in vineyards and sunflower fields, while ancient Roman roads and ruins hide among olive groves and stone farmhouses.

This is slow tourism at its best, a place to breathe deeply, walk slowly, and take it all in.

Gastronomy: Flavors from Land and Sea

Pesaro e Urbino’s cuisine is rooted in tradition, reflecting both coastal and inland influences. It’s hearty, genuine, and always local.

Crescia sfogliata, a flaky flatbread similar to a thick piadina, is filled with salami, pecorino, or wild greens and makes for a perfect snack or street food.

Passatelli in brodo, made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan, is a comforting soup dish typical of this part of the Marche.

From the sea, you’ll find excellent brodetto (fish stew), fried Adriatic fish, and dishes using mussels from the cliffs of Monte San Bartolo.

Inland, specialties include tagliatelle with truffles, porchetta, and formaggio di fossa, a cave-aged cheese with intense flavor.

Wine is essential here, and the province produces excellent Bianchello del Metauro, Colli Pesaresi (reds and whites), and sweet Visciola cherry wine, perfect with desserts or cheeses.

Festivals, Craft, and Living Heritage

Pesaro e Urbino celebrates its identity year-round through festivals, craftsmanship, and seasonal traditions.

The Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro and Festival of the Duke in Urbino bring music, history, and theatrical splendor to life.

In Sant’Angelo in Vado, the Truffle Fair each autumn showcases one of the area's most prized ingredients.

Gradara’s Medieval Week, Fano’s Roman Festival, and Cagli’s Palio dell’Oca fill the summer calendar with color, food, costumes, and celebration.

Local artisans preserve ancient skills in ceramics, bookbinding, wood inlay, and leatherworking, especially in Urbino and the surrounding towns. Visitors can tour workshops and buy unique handmade items directly from the makers.

In Summary

Pesaro e Urbino is a province of deep contrasts and lasting beauty, where opera echoes through ancient theaters, castles rise above olive groves, and waves lap the feet of Renaissance villas. It’s a place of harmony between art and nature, with a lifestyle rooted in authenticity, creativity, and balance.

For the curious traveler seeking culture without crowds, beaches without hype, and food without fuss, Pesaro e Urbino offers something truly special, a complete and quiet slice of Italy at its most genuine.