Gradara - Driving itineraries

A dream fortress: Gradara
Gradara cherishes the story of one of the most beautiful fortresses in Italy: it gathers three drawbridges, impressive double walls, long communication trenches and plenty of imposing bulwarks and towers. Situated upon the boundary between the Marches and Emilia-Romagna, halfway between Rimini and Urbino, it was the seat of glorious historical vicissitudes.

The original building was commissioned in 1150 by Pietro and Rodolfo De Grifo, and was subsequently embellished and enlarged under the rule of the Malatesta Family, between the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Malatesta da Verucchio, Paolo il bello, Giovanni called Giangiotto, Malatestino and Pandolfo I° are some of the main characters who lived in the sumptuous halls of the castle. This was the period of the fights between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, when Paolo and Francesca were killed by Francesca's husband, the so-called Giangiotto.

The castle was also the residence of Lucrezia and Cesare Borgia, the children of Pope Alexander VI. Lucrezia lived in Gradara when she was married to Giovanni Sforza, at the end of the fiftennth century. Alexander VI then obliged her husband Giovanni to sign a document which annulled the marriage. Cesare lived in Gradara at the beginning of the sixteenth century, but when his powerful father died he lost all his possessions.

Visitors flocking to Gradara will have the possibility to spend pleasant moments here while exploring important cultural sites. The narrow streets of the ancient village give tourists the possibility to relax, go for pleasant walks, buy original souvenirs or eat some delicious ice-cream. Gradara boasts breathtaking views over the whole Riviera Romagnola, from Fano to Ravenna.

During the third weekend of July, Gradara hosts an outstanding historical recollection which stages the terrible siege which took place in 1446. "Assedio al castello" attracts large numbers of visitors, since it is livened up by incredible special effects and firework displays.

Gradara is situated only 3 km far from the Cattolica-Gabicce Exit of A14 Motorway. Rimini is situated only 25 km far from the city, and is easily accessible through the motorway and the local A-roads. Regular buses connect Gradara with both Cattolica and Pesaro.