The Convent Villa of Gradara is in a privileged position, steeped in beautiful countryside and suspended between land and sea. The Villa is only a short distance from the renowned resorts of the Adriatic Coast (Cattolica, Rimini, Riccione and Pesaro) and is only a 10 minute drive from Cattolicas railway station and motorway exit and a mere 20kms from Rimini Airport.
An excellent base from which to explore the many interesting local itineraries starting with Gradara itself, whose historical centre you can reach by a short walk round the castle walls .
Other fascinating places to visit are Urbino and Montefeltro with their artistic and historic treasures and to Rimini and Pesaro both of which are famous for their rich cultural heritage and many national and international events and exhibitions. Not to be missed are the many naturalistic itineraries in the Valmarecchia area and the picturesque villages of the Valconca which is situated between the Marches and Romagna regions of Italy.
There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the many more lively pursuits and entertainments of the nearby Riviera with a huge choice of night clubs , beaches and theme parks.

Gradara
Gradara is a spectacular Medieval village suspended in time and still surrounded by its beautifully intact 13th century walls and 14 vigilant watch towers. The old historic centre of the village with its distinctive cobbled streets and small alleys is full of handicraft shops and stretches lazily towards the mighty fortress which protects it and whose history goes back to the 12th century. The castle which was built as an impregnable fortress, became an important venue during the Renaissance period for artists, writers and poets and has been under the domain of many noble families during her proud past. The Malatestas, Sforzas and Della Roveres all played their part in making Gradara an important political and military centre and left behind a vast treasure trove of art and culture.

In the castle you can still see many important 14th century art works including “La Pala di Gradara” by Giovanni Santi, frescos by Amico Aspertini from Bologna and “ La Grande Terrecotta Invetriata” by Andrea Della Robbia.
Places of Interest: Gradara Castle & Fortress, The Church of San Giovanni Battista, The Church of SS Sacramento, The Multimedia exhibition “Infinita Commedia”, Historic Museum, The panoramic walk on the castle walls.

Pesaro & Surrounding area
Pesaro is a beautiful small city on the Adriatic Sea, boasting a fine long sandy beach and nestling between two hills.
Only a short distance from the sea, the historical centre proudly presents an interesting historic and cultural story of great value.
The centre is a mosaic of styles where Roman remains, Medieval, Rennaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles rub shoulders with each other and live perfectly harmoniously side by side.
A pleasant city in which to discover many artisan and gastronomic traditions as well as a host of important theatre performances and festivals. The International Rossini Opera Festival attracts visitors annually from all over the world. On the outskirts of Pesaro you will find many small fortified villages and places of historic interest such as Candelara, Novilara, Fiorenzuola di Focara, Mombaroccio and Ginestro.

Places of interest in Pesaro: Oliveriano Library and Museum, Cathedral, Rossinis Birthplace & Theatre, Ducal Palace, Civic Museum, Rossini Music Academy, Synagogue, Church of the Maddalena, Church of San Francesco & Sant’ Agostino, Church of San Giovanni Battista, Montani-Antaldi Palace, Visual Arts centre “Pescheria”, Costanza Fortress, Villa Imperiale, Villa Caprile

Urbino and Montefeltro
Urbino is a wonderful city which never fails to capture and enchant its visitors with her unmistakable features, in which we can clearly see the traces left by various eras in the history of art. The historic Medieval centre with its steep hills and mysterious lanes, the harmonious Rennaissance style which dominates the majestic Ducal Palace, noble buildings, gardens and churches of rare and unsurpassed beauty which bear witness to centuries of art and architecture. Worth visiting is The Ducal Palace, which houses The National Gallery of The Marches Region and The Archeology Museum. The Cathedral, Albani Museum, The University Palace, The Church of San Domenico, The Convent of Santa Chiara, Raffaellos Birthplace, The Church of San Francesco, The Oratory of San Giovanni Battista, and The Church of San Bernardino.

Urbino is also the scenic doorway to the Montefeltro region, a land filled with ancient tradition and which unites a rich panoramic countryside , a wealth of culinary delights, culture and folklore. Places to visit in the area are: Fermignano, Urbania, Casteldurante, Frontino, Frontone, Pietrarubbia, San Leo, Montecerignone, Sassocorvaro and Macerata Feltria.


Valconca
So like many territories on the border, the Valconca area has a rich historical and artistic past and conserves many customs and traditions stemming from the many exchanges and events over the centuries.
On the gently sloping hills of the Valconca castles and fortresses rise proudly bearing witness to the many battles and adventures of the Malatesta rule. One is carried away dreaming of cavalrymen and ladies-in-waiting.

Towns and villages of interest are: Mondaino, San Giovanni in Marignano, Montegridolfo, Saludecio, Montescudo, Montefiore, Montecolombo and Gemmano.

Rimini and the Valmarecchia Valley
Rimini is without doubt the Pearl of the Adriatic thanks to her long beaches, vast range of entertainments, and the many sporting and tourist attractions which it offers. Riminis steets and squares, however, also bear evidence of her great historic and architectural past.
Places to visit are : The Arch of Augustus, The Town Museum, The Churches of San Agostino and San Domenico and the Malatesta Temple.
Castles and towers clinging to steep rocks, small country churches full of splendid works of art, beautiful countryside and pastoral scenes, parish churches and museums embedded in quaint, ancient villages-----this is what Valmarecchia offers her visitors today.
Worth a visit : Vergiano, Sant’Ermete, Torriano, Saiano and Villa Verucchio.