The museum is located on the highest terrace of the historic center of Gubbio, opposite the cathedral dedicated to Saints James and Marian. The palace was built by Federico da Montefeltro (1422-1482), Duke of Urbino, whose family ruled Gubbio between 1480 and 1508. The palace is definitely worth a visit for its elegant Renaissance forms that closely resemble the Ducal Palace of Urbino. For the construction of the palace, medieval spaces and buildings were transformed into Renaissance styles, including the Lombard “courtyard” and a large area belonging to the original town hall. Probably designed by Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the complex was completed in 1480, the year it was solemnly gifted by the city to the Duke. The layout is structured on two different building bodies connected by the central courtyard, enclosed on three sides by an elegant stone and brick portico. The interior partially preserves original decorative elements, such as some doors, fine fireplaces, and a coffered ceiling. Some rooms are used for temporary exhibitions, and the main floor is being reorganized. During the visit, it is possible to access the archaeological area underneath. The interior was completely stripped at the beginning of the 19th century: the 15th-century wooden intarsia studiolo, created by the workshop of Giuliano da Maiano, is now at the Metropolitan Museum of New York. However, today it is possible to admire inside a replica of the studiolo made by a local artisan company.
Information about the Ducal Palace of Gubbio
Via della Cattedrale, 1
06024 Gubbio (Perugia)
0759275872
direzione@sbaaaspg.it
Source: MIBACT
