Orsini Ducal Castle
Description
The Orsini Ducal Castle is located in Fiano Romano, in the Metropolitan City of Rome.
The castle was built between 1489 and 1493 at the request of Niccolò III Orsini, Count of Pitigliano. It stands on the site of an earlier medieval settlement. The date 1493, engraved on a fireplace inside the castle, likely marks the completion of the works. The Renaissance wing facing Porta Capena, the historic entrance to the town, belongs to this phase.
Although the architect is unknown, Niccolò III Orsini was in contact with Giuliano da Sangallo, and the castle shows architectural similarities to Orsini buildings elsewhere. Notable guests included Pope Alexander VI, who visited in 1493, and the humanist Pietro Bembo in 1504.
In the 17th century, the castle became known as a ducal residence when the fief passed from the Orsini to the Sforza family. Over time it belonged to several noble families, including the Ludovisi and Ottoboni, remaining in aristocratic hands until 1897. After World War II it was partly used as a school run by Dominican nuns.
In 1993, the castle was purchased by the Municipality of Fiano Romano and has since hosted municipal offices, a library, exhibitions, and cultural events.
The castle has a rectangular plan with defensive towers, including a 30-meter-high circular keep with walls 2.7 meters thick. Inside is a courtyard leading to the piano nobile, surrounded by Renaissance halls decorated with frescoes, heraldry, and carved wooden ceilings. Notable rooms include the Hall of the Zodiac, the Guard Room, and the Hall of the Pomegranate.
Address
Via Roma 5, Fiano Romano, Italy
Established
1489-1493