Gubbio-Urbino
Duration: MTB 4.40 h E-MTB 3.36 h
Distance: 61.7 km
Difference in altitude: 1,280+
Points of interest: Gubbio, Cantiano, Cagli, Fermignano, Metauro waterfall, Urbino.

A 75 km itinerary that separates the ducal city from the birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro.
It is an itinerary rich in art and culture on one side and wonderful natural landscapes on the other, the one that connects Gubbio to Urbino.
The route develops largely on panoramic and low-traffic roads, immersed in the charming Umbria-Marche countryside, touching the places where Federico da Montefeltro, one of the most famous figures of the Renaissance, had a strong influence.
Departure from Gubbio, the birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro.
Federico’s affection and the greatest intensity of his feelings went to Gubbio, as he wrote in 1446: «because we can assure you that there is all our heart and all our soul».
It is here that he built his palace as the second seat of the duchy and the second capital rich in pre-Roman and classical vestiges.

We go up towards Urbino, along the old Contessa road, crossing the ancient borders of the state of Feltre, Cantiano and Cagli where the Duke was Lord by birth with titles obtained from his father through
the papal investiture in 1424 AD.
In Cagli, the Torrione is all that remains of the ancient fortress, designed by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, which was part of a defense plan desired by Duke Federico da Montefeltro.

Having abandoned its defense function, the Torrione today is not only a beautiful historical monument, but also the headquarters of the Contemporary Sculpture Center. The rooms host works by internationally renowned artists,
such as Mattiacci, Kounellis, Nagasawa, Icaro and many others. Their sculptures rest on an unprecedented and original scenography, harmonizing with stone and bricks, creating an incredibly suggestive effect.
Fermignano is a small town of Roman origin that stands on the left bank of the Metauro river, with all around the soft and hilly landscape typical of Montefeltro.

After about 60 km the arrival in Urbino, the city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cradle of the Italian Renaissance and city of Raphael. Urbino is the pearl of the Marche also known as the “ideal city” because of
the painting of the same name preserved in the Palazzo Ducale, one of the most beautiful works of the Renaissance and the beating heart of the city of Urbino in which some of the greatest architects, painters, sculptors and
workers called by Federico from many parts of Italy and Europe participated.
Urbino is the perfect representation of a classic Italian village: the crisscrossing alleys, the delicious smell at every corner, the magnificent panorama that surrounds the town and then… so much art!