Gradara Castle is a medieval fortress found in the town of Gradara, in the Marche region of Italy. It is protected by two walls, the outermost of which extends for almost 800 meters which makes the entire structure imposing.
Particularly suggestive is the view of the fortress and the underlying historic center at night. The castle is one of the most visited monuments in the region and is the scene of museum, musical and artistic events.
Gradara was, due to its geographical position, since ancient times a crossroads of traffic and people: during the Middle Ages the fortress was one of the main theaters of clashes between militias loyal to the papacy and the turbulent families of Romagna and the Marches.
Located 142 meters above sea level, with the Republic of San Marino, Rimini and Carpegna in the background, Gradara represents an extraordinary urban and architectural combination. Legend has it that the castle was the scene of the famous and tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, taken into each other’s arms and killed by Gianciotto, Francesca’s husband. This love story was immortalized by Dante in his Divine Comedy.
Gradara Castle dates back to the period between the 11th and 15th centuries. Its history is inextricably linked to the infamous feuds between the Malatesta and Montefeltro families. This long-standing conflict only stopped after control of the castle fell into the hands of the Sforza family.
It was Dante, however, who intervened with his Divine Comedy, making the castle the place of the story of Paolo and Francesca and thus transforming the castle forever into a symbol of love.
Photo by Gianni Crestani da Pixabay.
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