Castello di Giulio II
Renaissance fortress in the medieval village of Ostia Antica, commissioned by Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, with the tower of Martin V, a frescoed staircase and a moat.
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About the museum
The Castello di Giulio II stands in the medieval village of Ostia Antica, near the Tiber. It was built from 1483 at the wish of Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, bishop of Ostia and future Pope Julius II, to a design by the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli, and was completed in three years, during the pontificate of Innocent VIII. The Renaissance building incorporated a circular tower that Pope Martin V had built in 1423–1424 to defend the medieval village. A papal customs house was also set up in the fortress to levy duties on maritime trade bound for Rome.
In the 16th century Julius II transformed the complex, creating a papal residence on the west side and a great staircase with frescoes by Baldassarre Peruzzi, with mythological scenes linked to the myth of Hercules. The flood of 1557, which diverted the course of the Tiber near the castle, and the formation of marshes in the surroundings led to the abandonment of the village and the fortress. In the 19th century the castle became a prison for convicts sentenced to hard labour, who were also employed in the excavations of ancient Ostia.
Today the monumental complex comprises a perimeter circuit of casemates, three towers, including the tower of Martin V, and a moat. The castle is open to the public and is part of the Parco archeologico di Ostia Antica. It can be visited together with the excavations and the medieval village.
Highlights
- Renaissance fortress by Baccio Pontelli
- Circular tower of Martin V
- Staircase with frescoes by Baldassarre Peruzzi
- Papal apartments of Julius II
- Moat and patrol walkway
Permanent exhibition
- Castello e scalone affrescato di Giulio II – Renaissance fortress with casemates, towers, moat, a staircase with frescoes by Baldassarre Peruzzi and papal apartments.
- Operated by
- Parco archeologico di Ostia Antica
- Visitors per year
- approx. 8,649
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2European Union citizens aged 18 to 25 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s, as provided for state museums. |
Indicative prices from a tourist guide of 2023; check the current amount on the website of the Parco archeologico or at the online ticket office. The castle has its own ticket, separate from that of the Ostia Antica excavations. A symbolic ticket price applies to extraordinary evening openings.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The castle is in Piazza della Rocca, in the medieval village of Ostia Antica, next to the archaeological area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The Park offers guided visits to the castle on set days and, for events, evening openings. For group bookings, contact CoopCulture or the Park's switchboard (+39 06 5635 8099). |
