Raphael in Urbino

As an "entrée" to the big exhibition about the most famous painter from Urbino, Raffaello Sanzio (that is being planned for 2009), the Uffizi in Florence lent the painting "Ritratto di giovane col pomo" to Urbino. You'll be able to see the painting in Urbino until July 22nd.



This painting - as well as many others, the most famous being probably the Diptych portrait of Federico da Montefeltro and his wife Battista Sforza, by Piero della Frencesca - was taken from Urbino to Florence by Vittoria Della Rovere (last exponent of the Della Rovere family) before the Duchy of Urbino passed from this family to the Church in 1631.

Sassocorvaro

A few days ago I went to Sassocorvaro, the evening light gives a special feel to the Rocca, an amazing and very little known example of Francesco di Giorgio Martini architecture.

Furlo Gorge

Now spring is really here and I spent the day yesterday at the Furlo Gorge with some friends.




After a short walk along the Gorge (they are doing a lane for pedestrians only along the road through the Gorge) we sat on a tiny rocky "beach" near San Vincenzo al Furlo church (a tiny gorgeous Romanic church) with some Crescia (flat bread filled with cheese, veggies, ham or almost anything you want)... enjoying this beautiful spot.