3530 Gradara

One of Le Marches small treasures is the medieval village of Gradara.
Situated in the extreme North of the province, this "borgo mediovale" is perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic coast on one side and rolling hills filled with sunflowers, cypress trees and olive groves on the other. Tuscany eat your heart out!!!!!
This beautiful small village with it's cobbled streets, is surrounded by its majestic medieval walls and dominated by the X11 th century castle (La Rocca) built for the De Grifo family and which has been home to many great names in Italian history such as Malatesta,Sforza and Della Rovere.
Lucrezia Borgia even lived here too!!
The most famous legend attached to Gradara is that of Paolo and Francesca ,unfortunate lovers but more about them in another thread.
The village although very small, offers a great deal .
Starting from a walk round the castle walls with breathtaking views over 360°
2 beautiful small frescoed churches.
A museum of historic arms.
"Infinita Commedia" which is a multimedia exhibition of Dantes most famous works and "I Signori della Guerra" which covers 600 years of war costumes and customs from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Seige of Rome in 1527
Throughout the year Gradara hosts medieval festivals and the village has a chance to re-live Medieval times and customs.
For such a small place, we also have our fair share of excellent restaurants---La Botte, Mastin Vecchio, Osteria della Luna and Degli Armigeri being 4 to consider if you visit Gradara.
Not for nothing this little gem is called---CAPITALE DEL MEDIOEVO.