Urbino: the Ducal Palace

The famous Palazzo Ducale of Urbino, Italy was built for Duke Federico da Montefeltro beginning in 1454.

That's the famous Duke above. Besides having one of history's most recognizable noses, he was a great patron of the arts and of learning; Castiglione's The Courtier is staged as a conversation at his court.

Much of the building is frankly rather strange; this is the entrance.

But within are amazing spaces. Most famously this one, the Court of Honor. The court was designed by the Dalmatian architect Luciano Laurana. We know very little about Laurana, but he must have been in Florence and seen the work of Brunelleschi and Alberti. Many people, especially of the neoclassical bent, think his work is even more lovely and perfect than theirs.

Details of the courtyard and the grand stairway.

Other interior views.