Urbania

From 1294 to 1635 it was called Casteldurante. It is situated at an altitude of 273 m, on the top of Metauro. It is an agricultural-trade centre, with small industries in tobacco, tiles and packaging. In the past it was well known for the production of majolica and ceramics, then replaced by handicrafts, pottery and tableware. There is a civic Library, art gallery and museum. Among the most important monuments is the Palazzo Ducale, erected in the late fourteenth century and then converted by Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Girolamo Genga. Also worth a visit is the panoramic Cathedral, rebuilt in the eighteenth century and the thirteenth century church of St. Francesco, also restructured in the eighteenth century.