Gradara

Infobox CityIT
img_coa =gradara-Stemma.gif
official_name = Comune di Gradara
region = Marche
province = Pesaro-Urbino (PU)
elevation_m = 142
area_total_km2 = 17
population_as_of = December 31, 2004
population_total = 3361
population_density_km2 = 198
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|43|56|N|12|46|E
frazioni =Santo Stefano, Fanano Alto, Fanano Basso, Granarola
telephone = 0541
postalcode = 61012
gentilic = Gradaresi
saint = Terenzio of Pesaro
day = september 24
mayor = Franca Foronchi (since May 2006)
website = [http://www.gradara.org/ www.gradara.org]

Gradara is a town and commune in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the region of Marche in central Italy. It is located 25 km from Rimini and 13 km from Pesaro.

The ancient town is characterized by a double line of medieval walls and by the massive Castle, one of the best preserved in Italy. It is famous as being the location of the episode of Paolo and Francesca described by Dante Alighieri in the V Canto of his "Inferno".

History

The construction of the castle was begun in the 12th century by Pietro and Ridolfo del Grifo. Later, Malatesta da Verucchio captured the Grifo tower, which became the mastio of the current castle, which was to be finished in the 15th century.

After the Malatesta seignory, the town was conquered by the Sforza in the September 1289. Here, in 1494, arrived Lucrezia Borgia, wife of Giovanni Sforza. After a short domination of Lucrezia's brother, Cesare, Gradara was handed over to the della Rovere. After the end of the latter's dynasty, the city was administrated directly by the Popes.