"Love, which absolves no beloved from loving": tradition sets in Gradara the tragedy of Paolo and Francesca, the in-law lovers Dante meets in the fifth canto of the Inferno. The Malatesta fortress, with double walls and walkable patrol rounds, is among Italy's best-preserved castles — and sunset from the ramparts is an appointment.
The village, an orange-flag and "most beautiful" listee, lives on taverns and re-enactments: in July the Siege of the Castle rekindles 1446 with hundreds in costume. The sea of Gabicce and Cattolica is ten minutes away: Middle Ages and beach umbrella in the same day.
Near Gradara
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
