The city of Urbino, the National Gallery of the Marche and the Civic Museums of Pesaro make a leap in quality in the Michelin tourist and cultural guide. At the Ducal Palace, the Frenchman Philippe Orain, director of the Guide, delivered the certifications with the new stars assigned to each site: the maximum is three, Urbino and the Gallery, and Palazzo Mosca to two.
“For our readers, Urbino had already gone beyond the level of “Worth a detour”, it was a destination that was “Worth the trip” – he explained, also presenting the new publication, which brings together Marche, Umbria and Tuscany -. There are nine criteria on the basis of which we decide whether a place deserves stars: first impression upon discovery, notoriety, richness of heritage, labels (such as being a UNESCO site), heritage and historical value, aesthetics or “grandeur”, authenticity – charm – harmony, quality of hospitality and quality of the visit. I am happy to assign three to Urbino. Pesaro, then, is a city where we would like to bring more visitors: the coastline with cliffs like in Normandy surprises the French tourist, Villa Imperiale is sumptuous and the Civic Museums, to which I am happy to assign two stars, are always interesting”.
Accepting the recognition were the mayor of Urbino, Maurizio Gambini, and the deputy mayor of Pesaro, Daniele Vimini, both recently reconfirmed: “The three stars flatter us – said Gambini –. Maintaining this city is not easy and we must work on ‘welcome, but with sustainable tourism. Urbino, then, is one with the Ducal Palace and I hope that the collaboration with the National Gallery of the Marche and Pesaro continues to grow: I thank the director Luigi Gallo and Vimini”. The deputy mayor of Pesaro reciprocated and then in turn thanked Gallo for his hospitality: “The Michelin Guide is fundamental, because the overbooking of tourism is real and it can guide the public. We are happy for the civic museums: even if we have to work still on the contents, this recognition makes us understand that the path chosen is the right one”. In accepting the stars for the Ducal Palace, Gallo first of all said he was “happy that Urbino and Pesaro, united by a ducal family but separated by cultural traditions, have entered into a new leadership of central Italy. All the people get the stars who work and have worked in the museum: the palace and the Gallery deserve them. Thanks to everyone and thanks to the Michelin Guide. We are in the firmament, now let’s deserve it.”
Nicholas Petricca
