Orsini-Odescalchi Castle (Bracciano)
The Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a castle in the city of Bracciano in the metropolitan city of Rome , Lazio region , in Italy. Its early history is linked to the noble families of Orsini and Borgia , from which many popes came. In 1669 the castle was sold to the Odescalchi family . Between 1803 and 1848 the castle and town were owned by the nouveau riche Torlonia banking family , but they were bought back by the Odescalchi, who still own the castle today.
The castle is considered one of the best preserved and largest in Italy and houses a museum. It can be rented for events and has hosted weddings for various celebrities.
location
The castle is located on the highest point of the city of Bracciano , around 30 kilometers northwest of Rome. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Bracciano , which is of volcanic origin and the eighth largest lake in Italy. From the castle you can see the lake and the Sabatine mountains .
The good railway connection between Rome and Bracciano ( Ferrovia Regionale Lazio , FR3 Rome-Viterbo) brings many commuters from the surrounding area to the capital on weekdays and many Romans to Bracciano on weekends, for whom the lake and the castle are popular excursion destinations.
Architecture and museum
The Orsini-Odescalchi Castello is one of the most notable examples of Italian Renaissance military architecture. It has been rebuilt and renovated many times since it was built. Partly very well preserved frescos decorate the walls and ceilings. An important frieze from the 15th century shows the work of Hercules . The building is richly decorated with tapestries to this day . The museum, which opened in 1952, exhibits old weapons, furniture, paintings, books and other handicrafts .
Events
From time to time the castle causes a stir as the venue for prominent wedding celebrations. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married here on November 18, 2006. Petra Ecclestone, daughter of the Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone , married the entrepreneur James Stunt on August 27, 2011 in the castle.
Web links
Coordinates: 42 ° 6 ′ 15.5 ″ N , 12 ° 10 ′ 39.2 ″ E