Gradara is a place full of charm and romantic Valentine's Day that offers its visitors the beautiful market "Flower, heart, love, Valentine's Day in Gradara"
Gradara, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, is located right on the border between Romagna and Marche, stands 142 meters above sea level and is only 3 km. from the sea. It 'a place full of charm, perhaps because of the sad story of Paolo and Francesca, Whose story was told not only by Dante Alighieri, but also by Petrarch, Boccaccio and D'Annunzio. The first construction dates back to 1150 corresponding to a medieval tower, Mastio, With which Piero and Rodolfo De Grifo made independent of the Castrum Cretaro Pesaro.
Following the Malatesta, after purchasing it, turned it into a fortress and also built 700 meters of walls, 17 towers and three drawbridges that made the whole impregnable fortress. This small town is the scene where he played most of the Malatesta saga John Mastin called Old (by Dante's Divine Comedy), known as the Ruin for the mania to eliminate his relatives, and finally the inept Galeazzo Sigismondo Pandolfo, who clashed with the Pope decreed the end of the power and richness of Malatesta (year 1464).
Then there were the efforts that have left their mark on the Robbia's altarpiece (1480) by Andrea della Robbia, the loggia and frescoes in the staircase we can find in many of the rooms of the fortress, including the apartment of Lucrezia Borgia, who lived here 3 years of her marriage to Giovanni Sforza, before his father, Pope Alexander VI, in order to resume tightening if the other alliances.
Soon after came Cesare Borgia, said Valentino, who ruled for 3 years, but the death of the Pope, Lucrezia's father, Sforza resumed the reins of command and returning with his third wife pregnant, he did paint the wonderful Hall of Putti in honor of the much-desired heir who was born here.
Unfortunately, the small, named Constantius, died young and a little later and that's how John comes on the scene in 1513, Francesco Maria della Rovere, nephew of Pope Julius II.
In 1631 the fortress along with all the duchy of Urbino and Pesaro passes to the Papal States, the decay starts from here, either because of looting by both French and because of the earthquake of 1916.
The engineer Umberto Zanvettori in 1920 falls in love with Gradara devote all his possessions for a restoration that will last for three years.
During the spring and summer were housed in Gradara noble and distinguished men from all over Europe to attend classical music concerts that were held in the courtyard of the fortress. In 1983 the castle passed to the State.
What to see in Gradara
* Walkways: The double-wall dates from the fourteenth century. And 'possible to travel all the way around and admire the beautiful battlements, but also from the village, and to contemplate the magnificent panorama.
* Historical Museum: Established in 1986. Inside we can find documents and objects that attest to the Fortress of Gradara as a theater of the tragic story of Paolo and Francesca. On display are tools of torture, weapons, reconstructions of scenes of everyday life both of the rulers of the people, customs and life-size characters (lovers Paolo and Francesca, Dante and Giangiotto). In the museum you can also find female and male chastity belts and sundials that were used to measure time in the Middle Ages and scale models of the Hall of Torture, the Hall of weapons and ancient castles in the vicinity of Gradara now there are no more. Interestingly inside the museum is a visit to the cave (still do not know why it was created).
* Church of St. John: Dating back to the eighteenth century. Inside we can admire a wooden crucifix of the sixteenth century.
* Church of St. Clement: Dating back to the eighteenth century. Here you can find Cimatori blade dated 1610 and an organ Callido.
* Garden of Olives (Via dei Cappuccini): Nature lovers can reach Via dei Cappuccini and take a look at the Garden of Olives: a multitude of trees that have been studied for years by the National Research Council to identify the original stock.
Gradara of Love : Valentine's Day at the castle of Paolo and Francesca
Also this year Gradara is preparing to celebrate all the love, just like the hapless Paolo and Francesca, whose sad story was told in Dante's Divine Comedy.
In the days 12 - 13 - 14 February 2011 Citadel opens the door to all lovers and donates its wonders. There are many planned activities including themed tours, tastings Dante, opening of the square of the lovers, and especially medieval dinners "M'illumino less and I love you more"Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 from 19.30 to 22.30, Gradara off the lights and wait for 1000 hearts in love to light candles 1000 If you plan to spend a Romantic weekend between the hills of Romagna, a visit to the castle of the most famous lovers of all time is a must! Paolo and Francesca are waiting for you!
Throughout the period in the restaurants of Gradara special menu for Valentine's Day theme.
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