Discover Gradara … the village that framed the love story of Paolo and Francesca!

Gradara is a beautiful village in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, about 30 km away from Rimini … a highly recommended excursion for lovers of history and culture ..

The Rocca di Gradara is one of the best preserved structures in Italy, with the two walls that protect the fortress. From the outer wall, about 800 meters long, it is possible to follow the ancient walkways, from which the panorama is astonishing in its diversity: on one side the green hills of the Marche and on the other the lively coast of Romagna.

Inside the historical museum are preserved instruments of war and torture, miniature reconstructions of the main rooms of the Rocca and settings of peasant civilization, then descend into the tufaceous caves that extend like a labyrinth in the basement of the Castle.

Visiting Gradara can also take a whole day, if you want to visit the castle, the museum, enjoy the view offered by the walkways and maybe stop for lunch or dinner in one of the many typical restaurants, which offer local products as simple as a piadina or more elaborate.

Our advice is to visit the castle with a guide that can explain the story of Paolo and Francesca, the loves and struggles that have characterized the millennia of the Castle of Gradara. The cost of the full ticket is € 6.00.

Reaching Gradara is very simple:

BY CAR: leaving from the Hotel Monica, take the a14 highway and exit at Cattolica; then take the SS16 towards Pesaro and follow the signs to Gradara. Once you have arrived at your destination no problem for parking; in the village there are several toll parking  (max 5.00 € for stays longer than 3 hours)
BY TRAIN: from the Miramare station (the closest to the Hotel Monica) get off at Cattolica and then take the Adriabus bus line 130 to Gradara.
BUS: as schedules can vary according to seasonality, ask at reception