The suggestive Castle of Gradara and the village that framed the love story of Paolo and Francesca are located on a panoramic hill not far from the sea.
Gradara is known above all for the Malatesta Fortress, which together with the fortified village and the city walls represent a characteristic example of medieval architecture. It was recovered thanks to an intervention of interpretative restoration carried out at the beginning of the 20th century.
The history of Gradara is linked to the vicissitudes of its castle, subject for centuries to the domination of the Malatesta, Sforza, Della Rovere, and Mosca families. According to the legend, Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Polenta were jealously killed by Paolo’s brother Gianciotto Malatesta.