Duomo di Urbino and Museo Albani

Urbino's cathedral was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro, next to his palace, to a design by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. At the end of the 18th century an earthquake brought down the dome and the church was rebuilt by Giuseppe Valadier in neoclassical style: this is what you see today, with its white façade on Piazza Duca Federico.

Inside, the atmosphere is luminous and solemn. Look for the two large canvases by Federico Barocci, the Urbino painter of the late 16th century: the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and the Last Supper, full of movement and light.

Next to the cathedral is the Museo Diocesano Albani, which preserves the treasures of Urbino's church: paintings, vestments, goldwork and a large bronze candelabrum attributed to Francesco di Giorgio himself. The museum also includes the Oratorio della Grotta, the crypt beneath the cathedral.

Valadier's dome is one of the defining features of Urbino's skyline: you can recognise it from afar next to the Torricini, especially from the park of the Fortezza Albornoz.