Gradara, the fortress of emotions and medieval history

The village of Gradara in the Marche region, famous for providing the backdrop to the story of Paolo and Francesca as described by Dante, welcomes visitors with its intact city walls and the fortress that overlooks the hills of Pesaro. During the summer, every Thursday evening until 10 September, the ‘Giovedì al Castello’ initiative offers the chance to relive the medieval atmosphere through costumed parades, sword fights, performances by drummers and fire-eaters, with the opportunity to visit the fortress until late at night. The main summer event, however, takes place from 17 to 19 July with the ‘Siege of the Castle’, a visually striking historical re-enactment that transforms the entire village into a battlefield. Through the use of music and pyrotechnic effects simulating ancient attacks on the walls, visitors can embark on a journey through history, rediscovering the defensive and military events of the 15th century.