Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello – history, art, and cultural life

History and description

Also known as Palazzo degli Scolopi or “Collegio Urbinate dei Nobili”, the Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello was commissioned in 1705 by Pope Clement XI, who wished to donate it to the city for educational purposes. The building was entrusted to the Fathers of the Pious Schools, already present in Urbino since 1686, and maintained this function until its transformation in 1808 into the Royal Departmental High School. After the late 20th century, with the withdrawal of the Scolopi, the building was also used for both public and private purposes, hosting schools, museums, and event halls.

The architecture of the palace, which occupies an entire block in the historic center, features a main entrance with a large portico and a façade with two orders of windows, interrupted in the central part where the remains of the Church of Sant’Agata are preserved. Inside, there is a courtyard, an astronomical tower built by Alessandro Serpieri, and several museum rooms such as the Museum of Engraving of Urbino, the Museum of Ceramics, the Physics Cabinet, and the Museum of Science.

Curiosities

Among the notable figures who attended the Collegio were the poet Giovanni Pascoli and the astronomer Alessandro Serpieri, whose sculpted busts can be found in the atrium.

Access

At present, the palace is not a single unified museum but hosts various activities, such as the permanent exhibition “Raphael Urbinas”, featuring high‑resolution reproductions of the works of Raphael. Although subject to variations depending on events, it is usually open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with an admission fee of €5, and free or reduced entry in specific cases.

How to reach it

Located in Piazza della Repubblica, the Collegio is easily reachable from the station by taking line 3, on foot from the city center, or by dedicated urban buses.

A symbol of Renaissance and modern culture and education in Urbino, the Palazzo del Collegio Raffaello represents a living space where history, art, and community come together.

Photo credits: Limoncellista (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0