Gradara Castle, Medieval castle in Marche, Italy
Gradara Castle rises on a hill in the Marche region and is surrounded by two successive rings of walls that protect the main building. At the center stands a tall tower, enclosed by living quarters, courtyards and walkways that give a sense of medieval construction.
The complex began to take shape from the mid-twelfth century on the initiative of local noble families who controlled the territory. In later centuries, the castle changed hands several times and became part of regional power struggles between cities and noble houses.
The name comes from a Latin word for steps or terraces, reflecting the sloping position of the site. Today, the rooms inside welcome visitors with furniture and wall paintings from different periods, showing how life for the residents changed over the centuries.
The entrance follows a path that climbs gently and then passes through the outer gates into the inner courtyard. Those wishing to visit the upper rooms should be prepared for narrow staircases that can become steeper at times.
Poets and writers from later centuries often mentioned the complex in their works because it served as a setting for romantic narratives. A little known detail is that the outer wall ring contains small observation posts at several points that are barely visible from the main path.
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