Rocca di Gradara

Channel your inner knight and explore a real, medieval castle complete with turrets, on the border between Marche and Romagna! Get Adriatic Sea views, learn the myths and facts about life at the castle, and stand in the spot where the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca unfolded in Dante's Divine Comedy .
Love, lust, murder and knights in shining armor have all had their time at Rocca di Gradara over the centuries.
Built around 1150 on a hill 142 meters above sea level, this fairytale-style medieval fortification is one of the best preserved in Italy!
Explore at your own pace and be wowed by the surrounding scenic valleys from high up on the hill. Walk the medieval streets, imagine that mighty drawbridge lowering and take a stroll around the yard, home to the mighty 12th-century tower.
Rocca di Gradara is perhaps most famous for Paolo and Francesca – portrayed in the fifth canto of Dante’s Divine Comedy . Francesca fell in love with her husband's younger brother, Paolo, and the couple's passionate affair led to their murders.
Medieval drama in a castle with sweeping panoramas!