Gradara and Cattolica are about ten minutes apart by coach, one in the Marche and the other in Emilia-Romagna, right on the border between the two regions. Together they make a day trip that covers history, science and a practical part: in the morning the fortress and the walls, in the afternoon the aquarium or a creative workshop where every pupil makes something with their hands. This guide is for the teachers who organise it.
Gradara: the fortress, the walls and Paolo and Francesca
The fortress of Gradara is one of the best-preserved medieval strongholds in central Italy, and tradition links it to the story of Paolo and Francesca, the two lovers Dante meets in the fifth canto of the Inferno. For a class it is an immediate hook: the visit is not just a castle, it is a piece of literature that becomes a place. Outside, there is the walled village and the sentry walkways on the walls, from which you see the hills and the sea.
For opening times, group tickets and the fortress's educational activities, contact the fortress or the Comune di Gradara before fixing the date. An idea of the day in the village is in the guide to Gradara in a day.
Cattolica: the aquarium in the former Le Navi colony
The Cattolica Aquarium occupies the buildings of a 1930s seaside children's colony, designed by the architect Clemente Busiri Vici, which because of the shape of its pavilions is known as «Le Navi», the ships. Inside, the trails about sea creatures are a science lesson that pupils do not experience as one. Opening times change with the seasons and at some times of year the aquarium is closed: check them on the official website before planning the day. For the rest of the town there is the guide to what to do in Cattolica.
The workshop: the part pupils remember
After a morning spent listening to a guide, an hour and a half of working with their hands is the part of the trip pupils talk about at home. And if the theme of the workshop picks up what they have seen, the trip becomes a single journey instead of three separate stops.
- After the fortress: a coat of arms or a seal in clay, an illuminated page or a decorated letter on paper, a small mosaic tile.
- After the aquarium: ceramic fish and shells, prints on paper or fabric with sea shapes.
- With no theme: any craft suited to their age, from hand-shaped clay to weaving.
What can actually be done is proposed by the Maker, based on the pupils' age, numbers and the time available. Always ask how the pieces get home: ceramics need firing, and for a class coming from far away you need to know beforehand whether the objects can be taken away straight away or are shipped.
How to request the workshop for a class
- Open the private events form and choose the occasion «School / educational group».
- Say how many people take part in the workshop, pupils and teachers: the request goes from 1 to 30 people. For two classes, write it in the notes.
- Write the town where you would like the workshop, Gradara or Cattolica, and at least two possible dates with the time of day: it is the simplest way to fit it around the coach and the visits.
- In the notes put the class and the pupils' age, allergies including to materials, any accessibility needs and the theme you would like to link to the visit.
- Within 24 working hours you receive the proposal. If you accept it, you confirm it with a deposit online and give the rest to the Maker on the day of the workshop. If the school office has particular requirements for payment, write them in the request: it is something to clear up before confirming.
A sample programme
- 9.30, Gradara: arrival, visit to the fortress and a walk on the walls.
- 12.00, lunch: packed lunch or at a booked venue.
- 13.30, transfer to Cattolica: about ten minutes by coach.
- 14.00, the workshop or the aquarium: an hour and a half, two hours.
- 16.30, departure.
If the trip is cancelled or the date changes
Strikes, bad weather, half the class at home with flu: trips change. For custom private events the deposit is refunded in full up to 14 days before. In the last 14 days it is no longer refundable, but you can ask to move the workshop to another date, once and free of charge, if the Maker is available. All the rules are on the cancellations page.
And if the school is in the area
For a school in the provinces of Rimini or Pesaro and Urbino the workshop does not even have to be a trip: in the form you can give the school as the venue, with name and address, and the Maker checks whether the activity can be done in the classroom. To see the crafts available in the area there are the workshop pages for the province of Rimini and the province of Pesaro and Urbino.
Frequently asked questions
- What age is a workshop on a school trip suitable for?
- It depends on the craft: some suit primary school and others are better for middle school. In the request write the class and the pupils' age: the Maker proposes an activity that suits them.
- How many pupils can take part?
- The private event request goes from 1 to 30 people, including teachers if they take part. For two classes write it in the notes: the proposal will explain how to organise the work.
- Can the workshop be held at school?
- Yes, if the school is in the Maker's area and the space suits the activity: in the form you give the school as the venue, with name and address.
- How do you pay?
- The request is free. If you accept the proposal you confirm it with a deposit online and give the rest to the Maker on the day of the workshop. If the school office has particular requirements for payment, write them in the request.
- What happens if the trip is cancelled?
- Up to 14 days before, the deposit is refunded in full. In the last 14 days it is not refundable, but you can move the workshop to another date once, free of charge, if the Maker is available.
Occasion «School / educational group», from 1 to 30 people: we reply within 24 working hours, no commitment.
Request a workshop for your class
