- Validity: 1 day
- Priority access
- Photos allowed
What to expect
- Use the reserved access to the Gradara Castle and avoid long queues
- Admire the wonderful medieval fortress and its breathtaking views
- Visit the places of the unfortunate love of Paolo and Francesca
- Once entered, spend inside the castle all the time you want
The Fortress of the unlucky love...
This medieval castle-fortress that dominates the entire valley and offers an enchanting panoramic view of its village, was the protagonist of numerous battles between several powerful families who contended for its possession, first of all the Malatesta, who also built the two city walls, but also the famous Medici, Sforza, Della Rovere and Borgia families.
The visit begins from the Courtyard of Honor, overlooking the tower with the Torture Hall, and continues through the many charming halls that often take their name from illustrious characters who have lived there, such as Lucrezia Borgia or Sigismondo Malatesta and his beloved Isotta.
But if, in addition to history, you are passionate about love stories, then the castle will make you live one of them: the fortress is known for being the background of the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, narrated over the centuries by many illustrious authors, but first made known by Dante Alighieri in the Canto V of Hell of his famous Divine Comedy.
Around 1275 Francesca da Rimini was married to Giovanni Malatesta called Gianciotto because of his bad appearance. But one day Giovanni's younger brother, Paolo, fell in love with Francesca, and tragically the two lovers unable to stop this feeling were discovered together by Giovanni himself, who killed both of them mercilessly.
History, legends, love and tragedy are rooted in the walls of this beautiful fortress that will welcome you with the mysterious and fairy-tale atmosphere typical of the medieval castles and will make you live an intense and unprecedented experience.
What is included
- Entrance with priority access
- Full-time entrance and you stay how long you want
- Reservation fees
- Access to temporary exhibitions
What is not included
- Guided tour
Available options
The following options can be purchased in addition to the tickets in the guided booking on this website.
Price reductions
Reduced/Half Ticket:
- EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old (valid identity document needed at the entrance)
Free Ticket (it is still required to pay the presale to skip the line) :
- EU citizens under 18 years old (valid identity document needed at the entrance)
- Temporary and permanent teachers of Italian public and private schools equipped with the appropriate documentation issued by MIUR
Meeting Point
To remember
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The ticket is valid all day until closing time of the Castle starting from entrance time.
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The entrance time written on the tickets may be subject to small changes depending on the actual availability of the Castle.
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For a satisfying experience it is recommended to reserve at least 1 hour and half to visit the Castle.
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The tickets will be sent via email within 24-48 hours after purchase (on weekdays) with instructions on how to get there and what to do to enter.
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We inform you that, once booked, the date and time selected are binding. Please pick up your ticket at least 15 minutes before the reserved entrance. Who does not respect the time booked will not enter.
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The Castle has a maximum capacity of people, in some periods of the year or special days you may experience short delays or waits not dependent on the Castle or Italy Tickets.