The Siege of Gradara Castle
The re-enactment of the 1446 siege and the grand pyromusical show on the Rocca walls
About Siege of the Castle
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 Italy's best-preserved castles, made famous by the legend of Paolo and Francesca recounted by Dante. For one weekend in July, however, the castle is not just a romantic backdrop: it becomes the theatre of war. The Siege of Gradara Castle brings back 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 besieged the village: the inhabitants and a few dozen armed men resisted heroically for over forty days, until the siege ended without Gradara's surrender, forcing the besiegers to negotiate peace. It is this epic event, which concluded on November 27, 1446, after forty-three days, that the re-enactment stages each 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 re-enactors in historical costume, including soldiers, ladies, commoners, and city militias;
- Battle scenes and skirmishes for the conquest of the Rocca, with the audience potentially being "recruited" 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 Siege Fest, with concerts and DJ sets that extend the celebration into the night.
An Iconic Event for Gradara
Organized by Gradara Innova, the re-enactment is considered one of the flagship events of the summer for the Municipality and the Riviera del San Bartolo, promoted in conjunction with Pesaro and Gabicce. After its absence since 2023, the Siege returns to the calendar of major Marche events in 2026, confirming itself as one of the most spectacular historical re-enactments in the region.
Siege of the Castle — 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 re-enactment 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 historical re-enactors, battle scenes for the conquest of the Rocca, 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 Siege 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 Siege of the Castle 2026
Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
The event unfolds over three days with medieval encampments, historical markets, parades, and battle scenes in the village streets and at the foot of the walls.
- Over 200 historical re-enactors: soldiers, ladies, commoners, and city militias
- Battle scenes and skirmishes for the conquest of the Rocca, with the public "recruited" by the militias
- Evening cine-show with a live orchestral soundtrack
- Pyromusical show on the medieval castle walls (observation area of Via Fontanina, starting from 9:00 PM)
- Siege 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 Siege of the Castle 2026
Prices Siege of the Castle 2026
Practical information — Siege of the Castle
Where
Gradara (PU), medieval village and Rocca. The evening show takes place in the observation 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 There
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 12-17 year olds 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.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Siege of the Castle
Rocca di Gradara e area spettacolo di Via Fontanina
Via Fontanina, 61012 Gradara