Colleferro Castle
Description
The Old Castle of Colleferro, in the province of Rome, stands on the southeastern edge of the town plateau. Its exact date of construction is unknown, and it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Evidence suggests earlier settlements on the site, possibly dating back to the early Middle Ages, while the first written record of the castle dates to 1262.
Originally a fortified stronghold controlling the Sacco Valley, the castle belonged to various noble families, including the Conti, Salviati, and Pamphili. It was heavily damaged in 1431 during regional conflicts and gradually lost its military role, becoming a rural estate between the 17th and 19th centuries. Over time it was adapted for agricultural use, then fell into decline, especially after the 1915 earthquake.
Architecturally, the castle is a complex of buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with towers, remnants of defensive walls, and medieval masonry still visible. Despite partial ruin and later alterations, it remains the most important historic monument in Colleferro and is the subject of restoration projects aimed at preserving its medieval character while adapting it for public cultural use.
Address
Via Castello Vecchio 38, Colleferro, Italy
Established
13th century