Overview Tour of Gradara – the capital of the Middle Ages.
Gradara is the capital of the Middle Ages, a town with an ancient fortress, rising 142 metres above sea level, which is located in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, on the border between the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions.
The town is recognised as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Italy. This wonderful, mysterious place with a huge citadel is associated with the names of Malatesta, Sforza, Della Rovere – families without whom it is impossible to imagine the history of Italy. Lovers of the Gothic and Middle Ages are drawn to Gradara by the story of Paolo and Francesca, sung in Dante’s Inferno.
Legend has it that this is where Francesca and Paolo found their end. Everyone has heard of Francesca Da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta, even those who have not read the Fifth Song of Dante’s Inferno, are not familiar with Boccaccio’s commentary on the Divine Comedy and have not heard the operas of Rachmaninoff and Zandonai or the symphonic fantasy of Tchaikovsky.
The people of Gradara cherish this legend, and reminders of it can be found everywhere: in paintings, postcards, souvenirs, ceramic crockery.
From the height of this hill you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of olive and grape fields, the sea scenery of the Adriatic Sea and even Mount Carpegna on the western side of the fortress. The castle and fortress of Gradara are by far the best preserved medieval structures in Italy. In the past, the territory of the town did not extend beyond the city walls, which once served as a reliable defence of the main gate of the fortress. Today, the administrative territory of Gradara covers 18 square kilometres and includes the nearby villages of Santo Stefano, Fanano, Fanano Massignano, Granarola and Pievevecchia. The historic centre has two Catholic churches, a dozen cute souvenir shops, several restaurants and bars, the historic Gradara Museum and the local theatre. At night, the outer walls of the fortress are lit up with colourful lights, giving it a romantic look.
The population of Gradara is only about 4,700 and they are called Gradaresi. The patron saint of the town is San Terenzio, whose day is celebrated every year on 24 September.
The majestic fortress of Gradara has always attracted attention with its beauty and strategic position. It was here that bloody battles and wars between the ruling elites and the Papal State took place, legends described in world literature were born and the greatest works of art were created.
The main tower of Il Mastino Fortress was built in 1150 by order of Pietro and Ridolfo De Grifo, a descendant of an influential family that conquered many parts of Pesaro.
It will also be possible to see: The Church of the Blessed Sacrament and the Church of St John, the fortress – palace and walk around the guard towers surrounding the city.
