Description of the attraction
The Palazzo Ducale, built in the Renaissance style in the second half of the 15th century after Federico da Montefeltro's accession to Gubbio, is a graphic display of a lifestyle inspired by humanistic ideals. The architect Laurana worked on the project of the palace - the work lasted from 1467 to 1472. And after 1474, when Federico de Montefeltro was proclaimed duke, on some parts of the Palazzo his initials appeared - FD (Federicus Dux), which can be seen today. It is also believed that Francesco di Giorgio Martini of Siena, another architect in the service of Montefeltro, may have worked on the construction of the palace.
Of particular interest from an architectural point of view is the inner courtyard of the Palazzo with an arched portico, which resembles, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale, the palaces and courtyards of Urbino. The floor above the portico is decorated with elegant architrave windows separated by pilasters.
Without a doubt, after the completion of the construction of the Palazzo Ducale, he impressed with its interior decoration and decorations. For example, the Duke's study, now on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, was made of wood panels covered with mosaics to a height of 2.68 meters. In addition, the amazing inlays on the doors, the square ceiling, marble fireplaces and tiled roofs have been perfectly preserved to this day. Also noteworthy are the walls of buildings that were once located on the site of the Palazzo, including the buildings of the old City Hall, and those that have survived to this day - they can be seen from the side of the palace that faces the valley.
Today, Palazzo Ducale, directly opposite the Cathedral of Gubbio, houses a museum displaying exhibits belonging to the Italian Agency for Architectural and Archaeological Heritage.
