THE GRADARA CASTLE: A PLACE OF HISTORY, LOVE AND TIMELESS LEGENDS

Made famous by the great poet Dante Alighieri and perched on a hill on the border between Marche and Romagna, Gradara Castle stands out imposingly in the landscape, telling stories of a distant past thanks to its mighty walls and the intact atmosphere that envelops every corner of its majestic structure. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Gradara is a place where history, art and myth intertwine in a fascinating tale, a symbol of love and challenge, capable of thrilling visitors of all ages. The origins of the castle date back to the 12th century, when it was built at the behest of the powerful De Griffo family, before passing over the centuries under the control of great families of the Italian Middle Ages such as the Malatesta, the Sforza and finally the Della Rovere. Every stone of the double walls, almost 800 metres long and still perfectly preserved, tells the story of sieges, battles and dynastic alliances that have marked the history of this fortress, transforming it from a military stronghold into a refined stately palace. Visiting it is like taking a journey through the splendour of the Italian Renaissance: the perfectly restored rooms welcome visitors with noble halls, period furnishings, precious frescoes and fireplaces. But it is above all the tragic love story between Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Polenta, immortalised by Dante in Canto V of the Inferno in the Divine Comedy, that gives Gradara that romantic and mysterious aura that fascinates everyone. It was within these walls that the two young lovers lived out their forbidden passion, until they were discovered and killed by Francesca’s husband and Paolo’s brother, Gianciotto Malatesta. Even today, walking through the rooms of the castle means touching the myth and letting yourself be carried away by the emotions of one of the most intense and poignant love stories in world literature.

Amor, ch’a nullo amato amar perdona,

mi prese del costui piacer sì forte,               

che, come vedi, ancor non m’abbandona.

Love, which permits no loved one not to love,

seized me with such delight in him, it brought me pain

and still, as you can see, it has not left me

(Inferno, Canto V, verses 103-105)

[…] la bocca mi basciò tutto tremante.

Galeotto fu ’l libro e chi lo scrisse

quel giorno più non vi leggemmo avante.

[…] his mouth kissed me, trembling all over.

The book and its author were to blame:

that day we read no further.

(Inferno, Canto V, verses 136-138)

Gradara is not just a cultural destination: it is a lively and dynamic village that offers events, historical re-enactments, costume shows and craft markets throughout the year. During the summer, the ‘Castello di… Incanto’ (Castle of Enchantment) transforms the village into an open-air theatre, while on Valentine’s Day, the medieval atmosphere envelops the lovers’ festival, offering a unique and evocative experience.