Palazzo Ducale di Gubbio

Museum and Palace in Gubbio

CC BY-SA 42.0 / Superchilum

The Ducal Palace in Gubbio was commissioned by Federico da Montefeltro and constructed in the area known as Corte Vecchia, directly across from the Gothic Cathedral dedicated to Saints Mariano and Giacomo. Built between 1476 and 1480, likely designed by the Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the palace represents the first example of Renaissance architecture in Gubbio. Its distinctive arched entrance, adorned with 3D square panels (bugne), makes it easily recognizable. The palace was originally intended as a seat of executive power, in contrast to the legislative functions of the Palazzo dei Consoli, but its construction was interrupted in 1350 due to economic and social challenges, including the plague, leaving parts of the building unfinished. Despite this, the palace remains an architectural gem, showcasing innovative design features like a single central pillar supporting robust arches that connect the perimeter walls.

Inside, the Ducal Palace reveals a rich history through its carefully preserved rooms and artistic decorations. The trapezoidal cortile d’onore, or “courtyard of honor,” once served to welcome important guests and is now a striking feature with its round arches and Renaissance design. The interiors are adorned with complex symbols and decorations that reference Duke Federico, and the second floor, or piano nobile, has been transformed into a 17th-century-style art gallery, complete with family portraits and antique furnishings. Notably, the palace houses a recreated version of the Duke’s Studiolo, a small study originally decorated with intricate marquetry that was sold to the Metropolitan Museum in New York in 1939. The meticulous copy installed in 2009 by the Minelli Brothers in Gubbio faithfully replicates the Renaissance techniques and materials used in the original, offering visitors a glimpse into the intellectual and artistic pursuits of the Duke. The tour of the palace concludes with a visit to the Hanging Garden, offering panoramic views of Gubbio and the surrounding hills, providing a serene and picturesque end to the journey through this historic site.

The Palazzo Ducale di Gubbio appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gubbio!

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