Castello Orsini-Odescalchi

About the museum

The castle of Bracciano is a private historic residence open to the public, built by the Orsini from 1470 next to the pre-existing Rocca dei Vico. The craftsmen active on the sites of the Sistine Chapel and the first Roman Renaissance palaces probably contributed to the building; Gentil Virginio Orsini called in the engineer Francesco di Giorgio Martini to strengthen its defences, and at the end of the 15th century the courtyard of honour was completed. Bracciano became an important diplomatic centre, and the visit of Charles VIII of France in 1494 opened the season of the Italian Wars.

In 1560 Bracciano was raised to a duchy under Paolo Giordano Orsini, husband of Isabella de' Medici. The fortress was transformed into a palace with loggias, triumphal arches and hanging gardens, and the reception rooms were decorated by the brothers Taddeo and Federico Zuccari. In the 17th century the court of the dukes was a point of reference for art, poetry, music and science. At the end of the century the Orsini line died out and in 1696 the castle was bought by Livio Odescalchi, nephew of Pope Innocent XI, whose family still owns it today.

The visit route passes through over twenty rooms: the Sala delle Armi, with the 15th-century fresco by Antoniazzo Romano and the collection of weapons and armour of the Odescalchi; the rooms with the figures of illustrious women, the chambers with the great canopied beds and the old kitchens. A late 19th-century philological restoration, promoted by Baldassarre Odescalchi, respected its identity. The castle is managed by the Fondazione Livio IV Odescalchi.

Highlights

• Courtyard of honour and Sala delle Armi with the fresco by Antoniazzo Romano
• Odescalchi collection of weapons and armour
• Sala delle Donne and Sala di Felice della Rovere with illustrious women
• Busts of the twelve Caesars and Sala Gotica
• Sala delle Scienze and old kitchens
• Private apartment of Paolo Giordano and Isabella de' Medici (on request, with supplement)

Operated by

Fondazione Livio IV Odescalchi

Visitors per year

approx. 70,609

Admission & discounts

The website refers to an “institutional contribution” in favour of the Foundation; the standard amount is €10. VISA, Maestro and Mastercard are accepted. On Sundays and public holidays the optional guided tour is included in the ticket.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The castle offers visits for children, such as the “visit with the princess” with stories and riddles, and educational workshops for nursery and primary schools.

Getting there & parking

By car from Rome North: GRA ring road exit 5 Cassia Veientana, then Cesano, Osteria Nuova and the SP Braccianese for 16 km to Bracciano. From Rome East: GRA exit 1 Aurelia, Ceri exit and 12 km to Bracciano. From Fiumicino airport the castle is about 45 km away.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle hosts weddings and ceremonies, receptions and gala dinners, and conferences.

Plan your visit