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Gradara
Gradara
The Rock of Gradara and its fortified village is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Italy. The two walls that protect the fortress, the outermost streches for almost 800 meters, make it one of the most impressive. The castle stands on a hill 142 meters above sea level and the main tower rises up to 30 meters dominating the entire valley. The fortunate position of Gradara makes it, since ancient times, a crossroads of traffic and people: during the Middle Ages the fortress was one of the main theaters of conflict between the Pope and the families of Romagna and Marche, but today, thanks to proximity to the sea, is located just inland, in one of the main touristic destinations in Italy, the Marche-Romagna Riviera.
The Rock of Gradara and its fortified village is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Italy. The two walls that protect the fortress, the outermost streches for almost 800 meters, make it one of the most impressive. The castle stands on a hill 142 meters above sea level and the main tower rises up to 30 meters dominating the entire valley. The fortunate position of Gradara makes it, since ancient times, a crossroads of traffic and people: during the Middle Ages the fortress was one of the main theaters of conflict between the Pope and the families of Romagna and Marche, but today, thanks to proximity to the sea, is located just inland, in one of the main touristic destinations in Italy, the Marche-Romagna Riviera.
History
The main tower was built around 1150 by the powerful De Griffo family, but it was the Malatesta who gave the present appearance to Gradara buiding the fortress and the two surrounding walls between the thirteenth and fourteenth century. The rule of the Malatesta in Gradara ended in 1463 when Federico da Montefeltro stormed the fortress commanding the papal troops. From this moment on Gradara passed hands several times, and some of the most important families of the peninsula contended for its possession: Sforza, Borgia, Della Rovere, Medici. We owe the excellent state of preservation of the Rock to Eng.
Umberto Zanvettori who performed an important work of restoration in 1920, investing all his resources to bring the castle to its former beauty.
Events and typicality
Gradara is located in an area rich in olive trees, vineyards and ancient culinary tradition. The typical trattorias and restaurants offer excellent cuisine of Marche-Romagna, where you can taste both gastronomic specialties. The main event of Gradara is “Assedio al Castello” (Siege of the Castle), the historical reenactment of the terrible siege of 1446, when Francesco Sforza and Federico da Montefeltro tried to storm the castle of Gradara for 43 days. The commemoration takes place on the penultimate weekend of July and is open to a great mistletoes show. Another event not to be missed is The Dragon Castle,
Events and typicality
Gradara is located in an area rich in olive trees, vineyards and ancient culinary tradition. The typical trattorias and restaurants offer excellent cuisine of Marche-Romagna, where you can taste both gastronomic specialties. The main event of Gradara is “Assedio al Castello” (Siege of the Castle), the historical reenactment of the terrible siege of 1446, when Francesco Sforza and Federico da Montefeltro tried to storm the castle of Gradara for 43 days. The commemoration takes place on the penultimate weekend of July and is open to a great mistletoes show. Another event not to be missed is The Dragon Castle,
magical-Celtic event that transforms Gradara into an enchanted castle, with magicians, fairies, goblins and, oviously, dragons!
Legend
In the castle of Gradara stayed Lucrezia Borgia and Francesca da Rimini. It is here that took place the tragic love story between Paolo and Francesca, mentioned by Dante in The Divine Comedy. A tradition that gives Gradara a unique atmosphere of mystery and romance.
Links
Gradara
Informations about Gradara
Assedio al Castello
Legend
In the castle of Gradara stayed Lucrezia Borgia and Francesca da Rimini. It is here that took place the tragic love story between Paolo and Francesca, mentioned by Dante in The Divine Comedy. A tradition that gives Gradara a unique atmosphere of mystery and romance.
Links
Gradara
Informations about Gradara
Assedio al Castello
