Palazzo Donati

Palazzo Donati is a beautiful medieval building located in the town of Mercatello sul Metauro, nestled in the heart of the Montefeltro area.

What can be said about this area?

It shares affinities with Umbria and Tuscany, with which it borders. In ancient times, such borders did not exist. Instead, there was a Duchy that encompassed parts of Romagna up to the Cesano River in the Marche region, reaching Rimini and portions of the coastline, which at the time belonged to the Malatesta family.

The Renaissance marked the period of greatest splendor for these territories, with Duke Federico da Montefeltro and his court ensuring the eternal fame of this region. Painters, musicians, architects, philosophers, and writers were under the patronage of this extraordinary leader and patron. His unique personality remains celebrated through the ages.

As for the palace itself, it features 1,600 square meters of space, comprising houses, rooms, grand halls, kitchens, and bathrooms, as well as shops and storerooms, distributed across various floors. The property also includes a beautiful garden and loggia, all preserved in excellent condition over time.

This property could also be transformed into a hotel or a prestigious accommodation facility, ideal for a region now widely recognized for its truffles and highly appreciated for its pristine landscapes. The area is lush and green, filled with rivers and waterfalls, and steeped in a rich history that intertwines with Florence, Siena, and Arezzo.

It was here that Corso Donati and Charles of Valois decided the exile of Dante Alighieri. It was also a crossroads for troops in the service of Federico, who acted as a commander for Pope Pius II and later for Florence. The region boasts a fascinating history, highlighted by the National Gallery in Urbino, located about 30 kilometers away, which houses works by Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, and Justus of Ghent.

The palace has been well-preserved in terms of its architectural features. Renovations undertaken in different eras, including more recent ones, have always been executed with great care and respect for its historical value.

Montefeltro is perhaps the most globally renowned area of the Marche region. Every year, tourists and scholars visit these places, drawn not only by their history but also by the presence of the prestigious University of Urbino and the Academy of Fine Arts.

Andrea STELLA