A Must-See in the Marche Region – Gradara

One of the most visited sights in the Marche and known for it’s beauty, Gradara was definitely on my list. And it was more than worth!

Gradara is a small medieval city in the northern region of Pesaro Urbino in the Marche. 142 meters above sea level and overlooking a stunning landscape one can see San Marino, Carpegna and Rimini. The sea on one side, the hills and mountains on the other. One oft the most beautiful positions for a town.

I came here during the early winter time together with a friend. Both equipped with camera, scarfs and gloves as it was really cold.

We found good parking places right outside the walls and walked in the middle aged city.

The castle which is the center of the small town was constructed in the late 12th century and not finished before the end of the 15th century. It passed its owners from Grifo to Malatesta, Sforza, della Rovere and in the end to the papal state.

But the town is for something else very famous: a love story. A heartbreaking love story between Francesca Malatesta and Paolo Malatesta. Francesca was a young beautiful woman married for political reasons to the crippled Giovanni Malatesta. But she fell in love with his younger brother – as well married for political reasons. They managed an affair for over 10 years. But then Giovanni, her husband, surprised the both of them in her bedroom at the Gradara castle where she lived. And he killed both.

The story happened just during the time Dante lived and knew her. So he wrote about her and the love story with Paolo in his Divine Comedy. A lot of speculations around but very likely that it happened just this way I think. The castle today is a symbol of love.

The medieval city begins already outside the walls and the walk path through the watch-tower is inviting. Inside the walls there are a few streets with nice shops where one can enter and stay a long time to discover all those artisan handcraft.

We managed to enter the castle for a small fee (I think it was 2 €) and at the sunny afternoon we had a great walk inside the castle looking out on the sunny landscape. You can read about the castle here.

Just before sunset we left the castle and taking some night photos we had a lot of fun. I still have to learn so much about my camera. Most of the fun was to see the photos of the same subject we did both and they were totally different. Every person has a different view of things. Clearly visible with photos.

Before going home we entered in one of the many taverns and had dinner. A nice pasta dish for my friend and I had a typical bean-sausage soup. Beans are not 100% paleo but are fine for me if I eat them sometimes. And the homemade sausage was really good.

We came home late but totally enjoyed the day. Not only it was a cold but very sunny day. We have known nice people, seen amazing places, learnt about Dante’s love story in the Devine Comedy visiting the original place and had a wonderful day spent at Gradara. I think next time when I will be in the area and it’s summer I will do a second visit there.

If you are visiting the region of Le Marche please don’t miss this beautiful gem. Gradara reminds me of San Marino, much smaller, same beauty and history but less people as well. If you know the place or want to visit it please let me know in a comment below!


Gradara, Le Marche/Italy:

For further information:
Gradara official website


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