The Historic Centre of Urbino, UNESCO World Heritage (Marche Region, Italy): an Urban-Geological Itinerary Across the Building and Ornamental Stones

A detailed geological and petrographic study of the Historic Centre of Urbino, Italyreveals that its building stones primarily originate from local sedimentary formations, particularly limestones within the Umbria–Marche–Romagna Succession. While these materials were historically favored due to their availability in the Northern Marche Apennines, some high-status ornamental stones used in monuments and decorations were sourced from extra-regional Italian areas (e.g., the Alps) and foreign countries like France and Egypt. The research highlights how stone selection was influenced not only by geological factors but also by historical periods, artistic styles, economic importance, and associations with notable figures such as Pope Clemente XI. An open-air stone itinerary featuring 10 key stops is proposed to enhance the appreciation of Urbino’s geological and cultural heritage, supporting geotourism development. The study relied on autoptic observations and historical documentation, avoiding sample collection due to conservation constraints.

Santi, P., Tramontana, M., Tonelli, G., Renzulli, A., & Veneri, F. (2021). The Historic Centre of Urbino, UNESCO World Heritage (Marche Region, Italy): an Urban-Geological Itinerary Across the Building and Ornamental Stones. Geoheritage, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-021-00606-3