Thursday at the Castle
Medieval evenings in the village of Rocca di Gradara
About Thursday at the Castle
A Summer Evening in 1450 in Gradara
Thursday at the Castle is the summer event that every week brings the village of Gradara, in the heart of the province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche), back to the atmosphere of the fifteenth century. The narrative premise is precise: a summer evening in 1450, when at sunset the village gates were closed, peasants returned from the fields to take refuge within the walls, and the community's life gathered in the shadow of the Malatesta fortress.
The Village That Becomes Medieval Again
From late afternoon until evening, the village alleys transform into a widespread stage. A cannon shot announces the closing of the gate and the arrival of ladies and knights: from that moment on, the historic center is traversed by an itinerant historical procession, accompanied by drummers and fire-eaters, courtly dances, duels, animations, and choirs. The evenings are curated by local historical groups, making this re-enactment an authentic event rooted in the territory.
Gradara's Historical Groups
The heart of the initiative are the associations that have been preserving the medieval memory of the village for years:
- Ancient Dance Group — the courtly dances of the Malatesta court;
- Gradara Guard Corps Association — armed men, duels, and archers;
- Malatesta Court with drummers and fire-eaters.
The Rocca Open in the Evening
During the evenings of Thursday at the Castle, the Rocca di Gradara remains open in the evening: a rare opportunity to visit the manor, linked to the famous legend of Paolo and Francesca told by Dante, after sunset. Alongside traditional guided tours, the village offers animated tours and itineraries also dedicated to children.
A Free and Traditional Event
The animations and the historical procession in the village are free admission; the entrance to the Rocca remains ticketed, as usual. Founded in 2013, Thursday at the Castle is now one of the fixed events of the Marche summer and one of the most beloved experiences for those visiting the Municipality of Gradara and the Riviera between Marche and Romagna on summer evenings.
Thursday at the Castle — edition 2026
For summer 2026, Thursday at the Castle returns to Gradara with thirteen medieval evenings, every Thursday from June 11 to September 10. The program unfolds from afternoon to evening, alternating guided tours, animated tours, shows for children, and the grand evening re-enactment in the village. The Rocca remains open in the evening, with ticketing from 9:00 AM to 11:15 PM.
The evenings are curated by Gradara's historical groups — Ancient Dance Group, Gradara Guard Corps Association, and Malatesta Court — who animate the alleys with a historical procession, dances, duels, drummers, and fire-eaters. The animations in the village are free admission; entrance to the Rocca remains ticketed.
Programme Thursday at the Castle 2026
Typical Program for Each Thursday
The schedule for the evenings, recurring every Thursday from June 11 to September 10, 2026:
- 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM — Guided tours of the Rocca di Gradara
- 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM — "The Jester", show for children aged 4 to 8, followed by a guided tour
- 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM — "Animated Tour with Dante", followed by a guided tour of the Rocca
- From 9:00 PM — Medieval re-enactment: a cannon shot announces the closing of the gate and the arrival of ladies and knights; itinerant historical procession through the village with drummers, fire-eaters, dances, duels, animations, and choirs
- Until 12:00 AM — Rocca open in the evening (ticketing 9:00 AM–11:15 PM)
Reservations for guided tours and animated tours at gradara.org.
Highlights Thursday at the Castle 2026
Prices Thursday at the Castle 2026
Practical information — Thursday at the Castle
When
Every Thursday evening from June 11 to September 10, 2026, from afternoon until late evening. Evening animations and the historical procession start at 9:00 PM.
Where
Medieval village and Rocca di Gradara (PU), Marche. The village can be reached by car from the Cattolica-Gabicce Mare exit of the A14 motorway, or from the Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce station with local shuttle services.
Tickets
Animations and historical procession in the village are free admission. Entrance to the Rocca is ticketed. Reservations are recommended for guided tours and animated tours.
Information and Reservations
Pro Loco Gradara — tel. 0541 964115 / 340 1436396 — [email protected] — reservations at gradara.org.
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Where does it take place — Thursday at the Castle
Borgo medievale e Rocca di Gradara
Borgo di Gradara, 61012 Gradara