Montefeltro

Montefeltro (mōntāfĕl`trō), Italian noble family. Its members were noted patrons of art and traditionally opposed the papacy in the struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines. The county of Montefeltro (created c.1154) included parts of Romagna, the Marches, and San Marino. Oddantonio Montefeltro (d. 1444) was the first Montefeltro duke of Urbino. His successor,

Federico da Montefeltro, 1422–82, was prominent in Italian politics and gathered an outstanding art collection. His portrait (Uffizi Gall.) was painted by Piero della Francesca. Federico's son,

Guidobaldo da Montefeltro, 1472–1508, lost and regained (1502–3) the duchy from Cesare Borgia. Guidobaldo's court was a center of Renaissance culture, and he provided the model for The Courtier of Baldassare Castiglione.

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Montefeltro 

an Italian family, the ruling house of the city of Urbino from 1234 to 1508. The family originated in the Montefeltro region of the Marches, where it gained its name. Initially bearers of the title of count, from 1443 the Montefeltri ruled as dukes of Urbino. In the 13th century they were strong supporters of the Ghibellines; during the 14th and 15th centuries they served as condottieri (commanders of mercenaries) in the service of the Viscontis and the Papacy.