Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
Orsini-Odescalchi Castle things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The hardest part of the visit was navigating the city streets and finding parking. It was raining lightly so we had to be cautious walking up the cobblestone ramps and stairs. But other than that, the rain is not too much of a deterrent because you can spend a lot of time inside the various museum rooms and even stand under arches and such while taking photos in the various courtyards. This visit was a last minute addition to our plans so we only had a little over an hour to go through it. I think we could have easily spent 2 or more hours there. A word of warning, check the website the week you are planning to go there. If there is an early closure to the public that week, they communicate that as a pop-up message on the homepage. You don't want to go through the trouble of finding a parking space, only to find out the museum is closing in less than an hour. Also, as far as I could tell (there were some places blocked off to us as they were setting up for some sort of event) The only rest rooms were 2 port a potties right after you get inside the castle proper. If you think you may need to go within the next hour or so, use it now. You don't want to be on the other side of the castle and have to retrace your steps a couple extra times. Especially if you have a limited amount of time.
Joseph WhiteJoseph White
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La costruzione del Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano, forse su progetto dell’architetto Francesco di Giorgio Martini, inizia nel 1470 su commissione di Napoleone Orsini e viene ultimata nel 1485 sotto la guida del figlio Gentile Virginio. Si sviluppa attorno alla Rocca Vecchia, inglobando la vecchia struttura tardo medievale del castello costruito dai Prefetti di Vico, che amministrarono una buona parte della Tuscia tra Roma e Viterbo, intorno al 1200. Nel corso dei secoli l’edificio subisce profonde trasformazioni e a causa della sua posizione strategica si trova spesso al centro di aspre contese tra le più importanti casate nobiliari di Roma, come i Colonna e i Borgia. Papa Alessandro VI Borgia giungerà persino a confiscare il Castello nel 1496. I primi interventi pittorici di rilievo risalgono proprio a questi anni travagliati. Celebre è il ciclo di dipinti dedicato alla donna, che illustra momenti della vita di corte legati allo scorrere del tempo e delle stagioni, ricorrendo a canoni ancora tardomedievali. Di particolare pregio è l’affresco del Trionfo di Gentile Virginio Orsini di Antoniazzo Romano, illustre pittore del Quattrocento. Solo con la fine del pontificato del vendicativo Borgia, la famiglia Orsini rientra finalmente in possesso della dimora, dedicandosi costantemente al suo abbellimento e ampliamento. Sul finire del XVI secolo, l’architetto e scultore Giacomo del Duca, allievo di Michelangelo, realizza una serie di interventi in occasione del sontuoso matrimonio tra Paolo Giordano Orsini ed Isabella de’ Medici. I fratelli Taddeo e Federico Zuccari, raffinati interpreti della pittura tardo-rinascimentale, realizzano per l’occasione gli affreschi con l’oroscopo dei due sposi,gli emblemi delle due insigni casate e decorano alcune sale tra cui quella che ospitò nel 1481 Papa Sisto IV della Rovere in fuga dalla peste che aveva colpito Roma. Nel 1696 alla famiglia Orsini subentra la famiglia Odescalchi, antica casata di origini comasche, il cui prestigio si accresce ulteriormente con l’ascesa al soglio pontificio di Benedetto Odescalchi con il nome di Innocenzo XI (1676-1689). Il nipote del Papa, Livio, diviene Principe del Sacro Romano Impero sotto l’Imperatore Leopoldo I d’Asburgo, per i servigi resi nella guerra contro i Turchi. Durante l’occupazione francese il Castello viene saccheggiato dei suoi preziosi arredi e poi ceduto con diritto di riscatto alla famiglia romana dei Torlonia; solo nel 1848, il Principe Livio III Odescalchi lo riscatta per jus redimendi dal Duca Marino Torlonia. Il figlio Baldassarre, personaggio di spicco della Roma ottocentesca, ne recupera l’antico splendore attraverso un sapiente recupero architettonico a opera dell’architetto e restauratore romano Raffaello Ojetti. Da vedere i saloni del piano nobile con le venti sale decorate, i cortili e le preziose collezioni d'arte. I dipinti del primo Rinascimento e gli arredi con le mobilie quattrocentesche, e la ricca collezione di armi dal XIV al XVII Secolo(estremamente interessante). Le Corti esterne e la grande corte d’Onore con i suoi loggiati, i camminamenti di ronda, i Giardini completano la visita con la maestosità di uno dei più possenti castelli rinascimentali d’Europa. Tra le curiosità da scoprire la camera da letto della duchessa, con la famosa botola nascosta dove sparivano i suoi amanti. La visita al castello dura circa un'ora.
L'Osservatore TiburtinoL'Osservatore Tiburtino
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Bracciano is an epic lakeside city with one of the most obvious castles in all of Italy, towering over the bustling city that nearly surrounds it. Bracciano Lake is a volcanic lake, the eighth largest lake in Italy, and surrounded by other cities, waterfalls, and an incredible micro-Tuscany - that is, rolling Roman farm hills packed with farm-to-table restaurants and lovely landscape opportunities. Bracciano's origins are uncertain, but it is suspected that one of the towers of Castello Odescalchi existed before the castle was built to accompany the lonely tower. Santo Stefano Protomartire is a large cathedral near the castle, worth a look after grabbing a cappuccino in one of the many bars along the main street. The appeal of Bracciano is that it isn't spoiled by tourists - it's an authentic Italian town with plenty of Italian shops,a lovely population, and spending your time driving through the surrounding area can't be beat. It's a dream if you're looking for authentic Italy without the tourists.
Kino AlyseKino Alyse
00
The splendid castle immediately envelopes you in the atmosphere of dreams. It is truly a place to escape the everyday life. First it offers its imposing structure, striking from the distance. Then once you enter the gates, a marvelous pineta park and further the lake Bracciano views. Next the magic unfolds as you roam the rooms inside. These are stylishly furnished and many have interesting ceiling frescoes. There are many reminders that it it an Orsini place, with the statue of the bear and their coat of arms. The courtyard and the ancient kitchen are beautiful. The final amazement comes from the belvedere, a view from the top of the turret. The snow-capped mountains, the Appennines, simply astonish. After the visit it is easy to see a marvelous town Anguillara Sabazia. The castle is about 50 km from Rome. The drive is not the easiest because of traffic closer to Rome, but it was not too difficult on Saturday, when we visited. Highly recommend.
Anna ShlimovichAnna Shlimovich
00
We had the pleasure to visit this castle on a Sunday morning, it was just perfect. We were the only four people visiting at that time, we had the entire castle for ourselves! We downloaded the audio video tour, there is a QR code at the front desk to scan. We walked through every room, learning about the people once lived there and its fascinating stories. At the top of the castle you can appreciate a beautiful view to the town and the ocean. Bracciano is a cute little town with the best restaurant we had during our trip in Rome. The food was so tasty and fresh, and the price was so affordable compared to the States! Later I found out that in this castle, numerous celebrities had their fairy-like weddings, including including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Tyron Power and Linda Christian, Martin Scorzese and Isabella Rossellini, and many others. This was definitely a magical place to visit.
Lily RuanLily Ruan
00
Perched high above the tranquil waters of Lake Bracciano in Italy, castello Orsini-Odescalchi is one of the most impressive Renaissance-era castles in the country. Built in the 15th century by the powerful Orsini family, it was later inherited by the noble Odescalchi family, who still own it today. Over the centuries, it has hosted popes, kings, and generals, including Pope Sixtus IV and King Charles VIII of France. It is very well-preserved and now functions as a museum, featuring period furnishings, ancient weapons, frescoes, and artworks that offer a glimpse into noble life during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It is also a sought-after venue for high-profile weddings, famously hosting the marriage of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006. Well worth a visit, €10 entrance, and an hour on the slow train from Rome.
D. M.CD. M.C
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Nearby Attractions Of Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
Lake Bracciano
Consortium Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano
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Consortium Lake Bracciano
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Nearby Restaurants Of Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
Trattoria del Castello
Enjoy Bracciano
Pane E Olio Vino e Cucina
Bistrot SCIAMANINN
Le Papere
Trattoria Da Ilaria
Crazy Bull Cafe'
Ristorantino del Castello 🏰 Ristorante Bracciano
Pizzando
Idroscalo Bracciano

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Enjoy Bracciano
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Pane E Olio Vino e Cucina
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Bistrot SCIAMANINN
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Basic Info
Address
Via Giulio Volpi, 12, 00062 Bracciano RM, Italy
Map
Phone
+39 06 9980 2379
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Website
odescalchi.it
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a castle in Bracciano, Lazio, Italy. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Bracciano. It was built in the 15th century, and combines the functions of a military defence structure and a civilian residence of the feudal lords of the period, the Orsini and Borgia, both papal families.
attractions: Lake Bracciano, Consortium Lake Bracciano, restaurants: Trattoria del Castello, Enjoy Bracciano, Pane E Olio Vino e Cucina, Bistrot SCIAMANINN, Le Papere, Trattoria Da Ilaria, Crazy Bull Cafe', Ristorantino del Castello 🏰 Ristorante Bracciano, Pizzando, Idroscalo Bracciano

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