L'Assedio al Castello di Gradara
The reenactment of the 1446 siege and the grand pyromusical show on the walls of the Fortress
About Assedio al Castello
A battle brought back to life
In the heart of the Marche region, a stone's throw from the Adriatic Sea, the village of Gradara (province of Pesaro and Urbino) houses one of the best-preserved fortresses in Italy, made famous by the legend of Paolo and Francesca told by Dante. For a weekend in July, however, the castle is not just a romantic backdrop: it becomes the theatre of a war. L'Assedio al Castello di Gradara (The Siege of Gradara Castle) brings to life the siege of 1446, when the armies of Francesco Sforza and Federico da Montefeltro laid siege to the fortress defended by men loyal to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta.
The history of the 1446 siege
Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta had snatched the Gradara fortress from his Pesaro cousins in 1442, making it a strategic outpost that threatened the Foglia valley and Pesaro itself. In 1446, enemy troops laid siege to the village: the inhabitants and a few dozen armed men resisted heroically for over forty days, until the siege ended without Gradara surrendering, forcing the besiegers to negotiate peace. It is this epic event, which concluded on November 27, 1446, after forty-three days, that the reenactment stages every year.
What to see during the Siege
The event transforms the entire village into a 15th-century encampment. Among the streets and at the foot of the walls, you can see:
- Over 200 costumed participants, including armed men, ladies, commoners, and city militias;
- Battle scenes and clashes for the conquest of the Fortress, with the public potentially being "enlisted" by the militias;
- The grand evening cine-show, accompanied by a live orchestral soundtrack;
- The pyromusical show on the castle walls, the true climax of the evening;
- The Assedio Fest, with concerts and DJ sets that extend the celebration into the night hours.
An identity-defining event for Gradara
Organized by Gradara Innova, the reenactment is considered one of the flagship events of the summer for the Municipality and the Riviera del San Bartolo, promoted together with Pesaro and Gabicce. After being absent since 2023, the Siege returns to the calendar of major events in the Marche region in 2026, confirming itself as one of the most spectacular historical reenactments in the region.
Assedio al Castello — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Siege of Gradara Castle takes place from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, marking the return of the grand historical reenactment after the last edition in 2023. For three days, the medieval village (province of Pesaro and Urbino) transforms into a 15th-century encampment, with over 200 costumed participants, battle scenes for the conquest of the Fortress, and the public involved in the city militias. The highlight remains the evening show: a cine-show accompanied by a live soundtrack and the grand pyromusical firework display on the castle walls. Completing the program is the Assedio Fest, with concerts and DJ sets until late at night. The event is organized by Gradara Innova as part of the 2026 major events calendar for the Riviera del San Bartolo.
Programme Assedio al Castello 2026
Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
The event spans three days with medieval encampments, historical markets, parades, and battle scenes in the village streets and at the foot of the walls.
- Over 200 costumed participants: armed men, ladies, commoners, and city militias
- Battle scenes and clashes for the conquest of the Fortress, with the public "enlisted" by the militias
- Evening cine-show with a soundtrack performed live by an orchestra
- Pyromusical show on the medieval castle walls (viewing area of Via Fontanina, starting from 9:00 PM)
- Assedio Fest: concerts and DJ sets during the night hours
The detailed day-by-day program, including times for encampments, parades, and shows, will be published on the official website gradara.org closer to the event.
Highlights Assedio al Castello 2026
Prices Assedio al Castello 2026
Practical information — Assedio al Castello
Where
Gradara (PU), medieval village and Fortress. The evening show takes place in the viewing area of Via Fontanina, outside the historic center, reachable on foot or by shuttle bus from the public transport stops, the little train, and the main car parks. The village is evacuated around 8:30 PM, with the show starting from 9:00 PM.
How to get here
By car: take the Cattolica-Gabicce Mare exit from the A14 motorway, then a few kilometers inland. By train: Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce station, with bus connections to Gradara. Nearest airport: Rimini-Miramare.
Tickets
Admission to the evening show is ticketed: approximately €13 for adults in online presale (€15 at the box office), reduced price for children aged 12-17 and Gradara residents, special rate for children aged 6-11, free for children under 5. It is advisable to check prices and presale information on the official website gradara.org.
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Where does it take place — Assedio al Castello
Rocca di Gradara e area spettacolo di Via Fontanina
Via Fontanina, 61012 Gradara