3625 Gradara For Some Illicit Passion!!!!

Thought the title might get you all tuning in !!!!!

Around the end of the 1200's, "Il Mastin Vecchio" ----Malatesta da Verucchio and Lord of Romagna set up a political alliance with Guido Minore da Polenta ,then Lord of Ravenna, by arranging a marriage between their children.
Francesca da Polenta and Giovanni (Giangiotto)Malatesta known as "Lo zoppo" the cripple were tricked into marriage.

To avoid a refusal from Francesca, Giangiotto's younger and handsome brother Paolo was sent to Ravenna whereby Francesca on seeing him declared her love and the couple were married.
Unknown to Francesca however, the marriage was registered in the name of Giangiotto whom Francesca woke to find at her side the morning after her wedding day!!!

Francesca spent her lonely days looking after her daughter Concordia and trying to make the most of her sad life in Gradara's beautiful old castle.
Paolo her brother-in-law paid frequent visits to Gradara and entertained his sister-in-law as only "i fusti" marcheggiani know how!!!!!

Another brother Malatestino dell'Occhio, so called because he only had one eye ,but boy could he see with it, spied on them and so one fine September day in 1289, Giangiotto pretended to leave for a trip to Pesaro but turned back and caught the couple as they were declaring their love and a long and passionate kiss.
He drew his sword and in an attempt to save Paolo, Francesca stood infront of him and so they were both killed together.
Condemned to Hell the lovers illicit passion met its sad end.

The story has been told by countless poets, writers and musicians over the ages but the most famous are to be found in Dante's 5th canto of The Inferno and also in the symphonic poem Op 32 by Tchaikosvsky.

Legend has it that if you are in Gradara on the night of a full moon and happen to see the ghosts of Paolo and Francesca strolling round the castle walls, then you will find eternal love and happieness.
A girl can dream!!!!!!!!
Should it work for you-----give me a call!!!!

Category
Do & See

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2006 - 10:11

We were in Gradara last year, and I have always been fasinated by the story of Francesca e Paolo da Rimini, I loved Gradara Castle, and the restaurant named after the couple, It is such a romantic place, felt very sad for them both, but hey Dream Academy, dreams do come true, my name is Francesca and my husband name is Paolo, and yes my dream came true, we were married only this time last year,

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2006 - 10:30

Frantiani, I do like happy endings and it was interesting to read the story too! I should take up reading more history but easier for me if it's posted in here. Thanks. :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2006 - 10:31

Gradara is a truly fascinating place. The ancient walls of Gradara are known as custodians of many secrets. I gather that somewhere in the Rocca there's a camera rossa dei misteri...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/13/2006 - 13:37

Awww what a lovely story, Dream Academy... As I like all things medieval, I'm suitably moved! ;)

Frantiani - you couldn't wish for more luck!! :):)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/14/2006 - 03:56

[LEFT]There’s also another storia d’amore further south in Acquaviva Picena.

This story too has its roots inside the famous Rocca.

The story dates back to around 1234 when Forastèria, daughter of Rinaldo Acquaviva, married Rinaldo di Brunforte, Lord of Mogliano. Apparently Forastèria’s beauty, the grande storia d’amore and the lavish wedding ceremony that took place inside the Rocca haven’t been forgotten over time and are firmly embedded in the local folklore.

Each year throughout the summer the village of Acquaviva hosts the "Sponsalia" where the locals celebrate this important love story. There are various stages involving costumes and games, which culminate in the banchetto nuziale, held inside the fortress and involving typical dishes and music from medieval times.[/LEFT]