The castle is famous for the love story of Paolo and Francesca which was also mentioned in Dante's Inferno. We were on a guided tour and our guide was excellent and gave us so much information. We were surprised to learn that the Castle was still lived in until the early 80's. There is an entrance fee but value for money, over 65 is free. For those with difficulty walking bear in mind there are steps inside and also quite a steep incline up the castle. There are lots of restaurants and bars in the vicinity.
Not appropriate with stroller and small chlidrenThe castle is nice from outside but very poor on terms of visit inside
The castle’s 30-meter-tall keep and crenellated walls were the scene of much intrigue, many fatal romances, as well as political events: it is where the most prominent aristocratic families of the region decided to fight the Papacy during the Middle Ages. Legend has it that this was also where lovers Paolo and Francesca – portrayed in one of the most famous episodes of Dante’s Inferno, in the fifth canto – lived the passionate affair that would soon lead to their tragic death by murder, when discovered by Francesca’s jealous husband: “Love brought us to one death”, she tells Dante in the Divine Comedy.
Very nice castle, perfectly mantained. It was rebuilt in 1920 following an earthquake and it's kept very well and a pleasure to explore. You could probably see it all (town and castle) in half a day, but would recomend spending a day or maybe a night to enjoy the local restaurants which are lovely and plenty to choose from. We went on a week day and it was quite busy, so it must be even more so on week ends. You can't take your stroller with you when visiting the castle and the walkway over the walls is also a no go area, we used the rucksack/carrier for our 18 months old.
you are immediately projected in the middle age and you feel exactely like a middle age men ,fantastic food and wine and a lot of souvenirs to buy .
It's a castle , theatre of a tragic love story of Francesca and Paolo, written by Dante Alighieri. Beautiful , with middle age fortress and perfectly preserved. A place that everybody should know.
Surely worth a visit from anyone being near this wonderful magical place. . Lost of history, charm, peace and serenity offered at Gradara.
The twelfth-century hilltop castle (Rocca di Gradara) remains a fascinating example of mediaeval architecture and has a number of fascinating features and frescoes. The medieval features and furnishings were actually extensively restored in the 1920s by an art lover, but this was done so sensitively that the experience really feels true to mediaeval times.In addition the environs are generally clean and tidy, though we did find some handrails made greasy by the hands of visiting children! There is plenty for interested children and adults to see.There is no lift and some long staircases to get to the main rooms.
This castle and the grounds surrounding the castle are well worth a visit the admission fee into the castle is a very good price at €5 there is lots to see the people in side were very helpful and friendly overall we really enjoyed our visit . Would visit again and spend more time exploring what we may have missed on the first visit .10/10
Gradara castle is only 4 km from the beaches of the Adriatic coast, easily accessible with lots of parking places. Wide and well resored, it gives a sense of history and peace at the same time. Also the view of the hills is worth seeing. You can have lunch or dinner in the several restaurants inside the walls, buy typical ceramics and visit the castle itself (with a fee). Fireworks in mid-July.