Urbino is not a large city, so its special sites are all close to each other. The childhood home of the painter Raphael, who was born in 1483, is just a few minutes’ walk from the main square (Piazza della Repubblica). Here, visitors can learn about the early years of this gifted artist, who died at only 37 years old.

The three-story building displays the family rooms, works by Raphael’s father—which served as an important influence for Raphael himself—the tools Raphael used for grinding pigments, a bottle containing remains from his skull (taken from his tomb), and furniture from that era. Today, the building is managed by the Academy for the Conservation and Study of Raphael’s Works, and the third floor is dedicated to artistic donations, including sculptures, paintings, and copies of works by famous artists.