What is duchy of urbino?

The Duchy of Urbino was a sovereign state in central Italy that existed from the 15th to the 18th century. It was established in 1443 when the Duke of Milan appointed Federico da Montefeltro as the ruler of Urbino.

Under the patronage of the Montefeltro family, the Duchy of Urbino became a center of art and culture during the Italian Renaissance. Artists such as Raphael and Piero della Francesca were employed by the dukes to create paintings and sculptures that adorned their palaces and public buildings.

The Duchy of Urbino also played a prominent role in the political and military affairs of Italy during this period. Its location on the border between the Papal States and the Republic of Venice made it a strategic point for controlling trade routes and military movements.

In the 16th century, the Duchy of Urbino was annexed by the Papal States, but it regained its independence briefly in the early 17th century. It was finally incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in the late 18th century. Today, the historic city of Urbino, with its many Renaissance buildings and art treasures, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.