Galleria Nazionale delle Marche

The National Gallery of the Marches occupies Palazzo Ducale in Urbino. Its paintings, sculpture, ceramics, drawings and furnishings, dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, reflect the artistic culture of the region and of the court of Federico da Montefeltro.

Why it matters

The gallery's setting connects its collection with the history of Urbino's ducal court. Palazzo Ducale was built for Federico da Montefeltro, whose court attracted artists and scholars from across Italy and beyond. The historic centre's UNESCO listing recognizes this cultural influence, and the palace preserves the architectural setting in which the court's artistic life unfolded.

What to notice

Portraits of Federico da Montefeltro and Ottaviano Ubaldini are attributed to the workshop of Ambrogio Barocci. The gallery also displays panels by Giovanni Santi, Puccio di Simone and Giovanni Angelo d'Antonio da Bolognola. The high chapel of San Domenico, decorated by the Maestro della Croce di Mombaroccio, has been reassembled within the museum. The collection ranges beyond painting to include sculpture, ceramics, drawings and furnishings.

Context and history

Palazzo Ducale was developed as the residence of Federico da Montefeltro and remains a defining monument of Urbino's fifteenth-century court. The National Gallery occupies the palace's ground and first floors. Alongside its displays, the institution maintains a library and documentary archives, a scientific catalogue and the digital Galleria Ideale, which allows users to assemble selections of works.