Orsini-Odescalchi Castle

Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a prominent 15th-century castle located in Bracciano, Lazio, on the shores of Lake Bracciano, about 30 km northwest of Rome. Originally built by the powerful Orsini family, the castle was designed to serve both as a military fortress and a refined residence for feudal lords closely connected to the papacy, including the Orsini, Borgia, and later the Odescalchi families. Its strategic position made it a focal point in medieval and Renaissance power struggles between rival noble families and the Papal States.

Architecturally, the castle is one of the finest examples of Renaissance military design in Italy, featuring massive defensive walls, corner towers, and richly decorated interiors. Over the centuries, its halls and private apartments were adorned with frescoes by notable artists such as Antoniazzo Romano and the Zuccari brothers, reflecting its dual defensive and residential character.

Today, Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is among the largest and best-preserved castles in the country. It houses a historical museum displaying weapons, furnishings, artworks, manuscripts, and frescoes spanning more than six centuries of Italian history. The castle also functions as an important cultural venue and has gained modern fame as the site of several high-profile weddings, reinforcing its status as both a historical landmark and a living cultural monument.

Address
Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini 14, Bracciano, Italy

Established
15th century