
The 12th-century hilltop Castello di Gradara remains one of the region’s finest examples of medieval architecture, with an interior packed with authentic furnishings that were extensively restored in the 1920s. This medieval fortress is protected by two walls, the outermost of which extends for almost 800 m (2,600 ft), making it one of the area’s most imposing structures. The castle is one of the most visited monuments in this part of the country and is the scene of regular cultural and musical events. Legend has it that this site provided a romantic setting for the tragic story of star-crossed lovers Paolo and Francesca, who were immortalized in Dante’s "Divine Comedy." To explore the castle on a guided tour, remember to reserve your tickets by phone or online before you make the trip. Put Castello di Gradara on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Gradara trip itinerary website .

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Castello di Gradara

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The Castle of Graines is a castle in Val d'Ayas, located near the village with the same name in the municipality of Brusson, Aosta Valley, northern Italy.

It occupies the summit of a rocky spur which commands Brusson and most of the Val d'Ayas. In medieval times, it communicated through flag or mirror messages with the nearby Bonot Tower and the Villa Castle in Challand-Saint-Victor.

According to a legend,[1] a large treasure lies buried under the castle.

Graines Castle 

Castel Sismondo is a castle in Rimini, Romagna, northern Italy.[1]

History
The castle was built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, beginning on March 20, 1437, but only the central nucleus of this structure remains. According to the contemporary chronicles, Malatesta designed it, although it is known that several architects worked on the construction, including Filippo Brunelleschi, who visited Rimini for two months in 1438. Construction lasted some 15 years.

The castle-palace originally was surrounded by a large moat, with a ravelin at the main entrance, sporting the heraldic symbols of the House of Malatesta. The walls were thought to be thick enough to bear the impact of the new artillery pieces of that period. Although originally positioned externally from the city, it has no towers facing that side: all towers are in fact oriented towards the city. These towers are square, and once housed a bronze cannon each.

The central part of the castle was also the Malatesta residence, with rooms decorated with tapestries, curtains and frescoes. Also the exterior was decorated, as suggested by the few maiolica tiles visible. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta died here in 1468.

In 1821 the castle was turned into barracks for the local Carabinieri. Five years later, the external walls were demolished and the moat filled. After a period of decline, the edifice is now used for cultural exhibitions.