The fortress beyond the trees

This amazing walled city is located in the northern region of Le Marche. It is nestled on a high sloping hillside, so it has 360-degree views to protect its self from incoming enemies. This picturesque medieval town is noted for its legacy of being an independent renaissance culture under the patronage of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482.

It also hosts the University of Urbino that was founded in 1506 and is the seat of the Archbishop of Urbino. Its best known architectural piece is the Palazzo Ducale.

Other than it being a bit chilly from the snow it was a time-traveling experience walking around Urbino so I forgot to take lots of photos, it truly is a beautiful medieval town.

One way to get inside the walled town is to spiral walk up this lookout tower.

At the top, we were greeted with amazing sculptures where I guess cannons and cannon balls would be. 

We came out a door to this, walls within walls. We decided to go right.

This is the back side of the Ducal Palace, I was in awe.

After walking into the main square that had a Christmas market going on we decided to cut into the less traveled winding streets.

Just to think how old this place is and how well it is preserved. I can’t help to think that is it was built now in modern times it might have fallen down already.

The views………

I saw an open door and took a peek.

A view of one of the towers of the Ducal Palace from outside the walls.

Brilliant