He was the son of Federico I da Montefeltro, who had been slain by the people of the city in revolt against him.
In 1323 Nolfo, now a leader of the Ghibelline part in the Marche, reconquered the city by defeating the Papal commander, Ferrantino Malatesta.
In 1333 he was named advisor by John of Bohemia and captain of the Papal Army.
In 1348 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Republic of Venice's army against the counts of Gorizia; he was also made imperial vicar of the county of Urbino.
After signing a treaty of peace, he was made Papal vicar in his lands.