Description of the attraction
Urbino Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built in 1062 at the initiative of the local bishop Beato Mainardo. In the 15th century, it was significantly rebuilt, and its current neoclassical appearance, designed by the architect Morija, did not acquire the cathedral until the end of the 18th century, after most of the building was destroyed during an earthquake. Moriggia created the cathedral's impressive façade. In the same years, the bell tower was built. Around the cathedral you can see seven statues of saints, among which the statue of Saint Crescentino - the patron saint of Urbino, whose holiday is celebrated on June 1st, stands out.
The interior decoration of the main city church is made in the classical style - this is the work of the architect Giuseppe Valadier, who worked here between 1789 and 1801. The interior of the three-aisled cathedral looks solemn, elegant and majestic. The central nave contains an altarpiece by Camillo Rusconi. The vault of the dome is decorated with images of the four Evangelists, made by different artists, and at the main altar one can see a large painting by Unterberger "The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary". Other works of art adorning the church include Federico Barocci's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Raffaello Motta's Annunciation.
In past centuries, the cathedral had different forms, and different artists and sculptors worked on its design and decorations. In the 15th century, during the reign of Duke Federico III da Montefeltro, the outstanding architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini worked on the design of the religious building. The implementation of his ideas in life lasted until 1604, when the dome was built according to the project of Muzio Oddi. In 1781, a strong earthquake struck Urbino, which severely damaged the dome of the cathedral and its unfinished facade. And in 1789, due to the fact that the reconstruction of the building was delayed, the dome finally collapsed. Only after that work began on the reconstruction of the cathedral, and it acquired its current appearance.
