DESTINATIONS
Gradara
The gateway to Le Marche, between history and legend.
DISCOVER GRADARA
The gateway to Le Marche, between history and legend.
Gradara welcomes visitors arriving from the north with the silhouette of its fortress, medieval walls and hills opening towards the Adriatic. The stories of noble families intertwine with battles, alliances and love.
Tradition places the story of Paolo and Francesca here, made immortal by Dante in the fifth canto of the Inferno. Yet Gradara has much more to tell: from the Malatesta and Sforza families to the Della Rovere and Umberto Zanvettori’s twentieth-century restoration.
A guided visit takes you through the centuries, uncovering the many stories held within a castle’s walls.
Choose your thread
The fortress and its defences
Walls, towers and a strategic hilltop position reveal how the castle controlled the surrounding landscape. A visit may include the village and, subject to booking and availability, the fortress interiors.
Following Dante’s thread
The tale of Paolo and Francesca brings together documented history and literary tradition, keeping the distinction clear. The theme can continue to Fiorenzuola di Focara and the winds evoked by Dante.
The families of the fortress
The Malatesta, Sforza, Della Rovere and Zanvettori families provide a way to explore how the castle changed in appearance and purpose over time.
A place, a story, a conversation.
Ask questions, follow a detail, discover a connection. Every visit grows out of the people taking part.
A visit tailored to you
Stops, duration, tickets and accessibility are discussed before confirmation. Tell me about any needs so that we can assess the most suitable route.
YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY
Let’s plan your visit.
Tell me about your interests, your group and the time you have. We will build the right itinerary together.