The Castle

The Castello di Montegridolfo (Castrum Montisgridulphi)

A truly ancient castle dating back to medieval times, doomed to be a constant bone of contention through the centuries due to its unique strategic position. Situated right on the border between Romagna and Marche regions, Montegridolfo lies on the border of the lands belonging to two noble families, the Malatesta of Rimini and the Montefeltro, Lords of Urbino.

It all started in the XIII century when the castle was chosen by the Gridolfi family as their residence.
From that moment and for the next three centuries the Conca valley saw a never ending struggle between the two families. As a result Montegridolfo kept changing hands, was repeatedly sacked and suffered great strife at every turn. Indeed in 1336 it was totally destroyed by Nolfo, count of Urbino.

The following year it was reconstructed by the patriarch of the Malatesta family, Galeotto. Peace was only restored in the XVI century and since then the Malatesta family has remained “absolute sovereign”.