Urbino

The ancient Roman city of Urbino, located in central Italy, was an important administrative center in the Renaissance. In the 1400s the city enjoyed fame and great prosperity, due largely to the military reputation of the ruling princes* of the MONTEFELTRO FAMILY.

Urbino was a walled city that closed its gates at night. Officials divided the city into administrative quarters, each associated with particular crafts, religious orders, and confraternities*. The city's confined area and small population encouraged social unity.

When Count Antonio da Montefeltro became Urbino's ruler in 1375, he promised to uphold the city's laws. His pledge continued a tradition of self-rule with a council of elected citizens, subject to the prince. Citizenship was usually restricted to sons of citizens living in Urbino. The population also included a small community of Jews, who helped develop the city's commercial interests but had no citizenship rights.

For centuries the princes of Urbino came from the Montefeltro family. They commanded the military and supervised the city administration, holding public audiences to hear complaints and mediate disputes. The prince received a salary and dues of various kinds. He was expected to use some of his wealth for religious and civic buildings. Between 1465 and 1482, Duke Federico undertook extensive renovations in the city, and many of the city's leading families rebuilt their palaces in Renaissance style. After the death of the last Montefeltro prince in 1508, Urbino began a period of decline.