Castello Orsini-Odescalchi

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
"Odescalchi Castle" redirects here. For the Odescalchi castle in Croatia, see Ilok Castle.
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi
Castle Bracciano
Bracciano, Lazio, Italy
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Castle Bracciano is located in Lazio
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Castle Bracciano
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi
Castle Bracciano
Coordinates42°06′16″N 12°10′40″E / 42.1044°N 12.1778°E / 42.1044; 12.1778
Site history
Built1470–1485

Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a castle in

Borgia, both papal families. As one of the largest and best-maintained castles in Italy, it also houses a museum; as a centre of cultural events, the Castello has hosted several high-profile weddings such as those of Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes, Eros Ramazzotti/Michelle Hunziker, and Petra Ecclestone/James Stunt.[1][2][3]

Geography

The well-preserved medieval castle Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is located in the city of Bracciano, 30 km away from

Valle Aurelia) in about 55 minutes. Close to it lie the two medieval towns of Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano.[1][2]

History

Early history

Further information: Bracciano
Artwork

The castle's earliest history is inferred to be linked to one of the numerous towers built in the tenth century as a defence against the

Saracen attacks, as implied by the ancient name of Castrum Brachiani. In the eleventh century the neighbouring territory was acquired by the Prefetti di Vico family, who turned the tower into a castle. Ferdinand Gregorovius dated the possession of Bracciano by the Orsini to 1234. From 1375, it was a Papal possession.[2][4][5]

In 1419, the

Virginio. In 1481 it was host to Pope Sixtus IV, who had fled from the plague in Rome; the Sala Papalina in one of the corner towers commemorates the event. Four years later, however, the city and the castle were ravaged by Papal troops under Prospero Colonna, and subsequently, a new line of walls was built.[2][4][5]

The construction of the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle was started by Napoleon Orsini of the Orsini family in 1470. It was completed by his son Virginio Gentil, in 1485.

Francesco della Rovere, had shifted from Rome to this castle during the plague epidemic. At this time, the rooms where the Pope stayed were decorated with frescoes by the Taddeo Zuccari and Federico Zuccari brothers.[2][4][5]

16th century and later

The sixteenth century was a period of splendour for Bracciano and the castle. In 1558, the notorious

Odescalchi family still retain the castle.[2][4][5]

Emperor Leopold I, as recognition for services rendered in the war against the Turks, gave Livy, nephew of the Pope, the honorific of the Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Subsequent to the French occupation, the castle was looted of its valuable furniture. The castle and the estate were under Duke Marino Torlonia of the Torlonia family until 1848 when it was sold to Prince Livio Odescalchi III.[2]

Architecture

Full view of the Castle Bracciano
Entrance

The Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is one of the most noteworthy examples of Renaissance military architecture in Italy and is the main monument in Bracciano. The castle underwent many renovations since its inception. In the castle, richly frescoed friezes and ceilings were created. Richly coloured tapestries were made when the lords of Bracciano were in residence. The important late 15th-century frieze showing the labours of Hercales[6] is still visible.[1][2]

Museum

The historical museum within the castle premises has valuable artwork from the Middle Ages of over six centuries rule of Popes and Kings, consisting of ancient weapons, furniture and paintings, books and manuscripts, frescoes and decorations. It was opened in 1952 by Prince Livio Odescalchi IV.[1][3]

Filming location

A number of films, TV series, and TV programs have been set in the castle:

Medici: Masters of Florence, The Castle of the living Dead (1964),[citation needed] Kath & Kimderella, and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.[7]

Events

The castle has hosted a number of events, especially weddings of wealthy actors and singers.

Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married at the castle.[8]

View of Lake Bracciano from Castello Orsini-Odescalchi.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano" (in Italian). Official website of the odescalchi. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "La Storia" (in Italian). Official website of the odescalchi. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Museo" (in Italian). Official website of the odescalchi. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  4. ^ a b c d "Cenii storici". castelloodescalchi.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d "Castello Odescalchi-Orsini di Palo" (in Italian). orsini-gotha.com. Archived from the original on 2008-08-21. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  6. ISBN 0-19-521923-6
  7. ^ "I Medici Masters of Florence tv series location: Castle Bracciano". Archived from the original on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Ostia Antica, Ostia Lido and Bracciano". pbase.com. Retrieved 10 July 2011.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Castello Orsini-Odescalchi (Bracciano).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Castello_Orsini-Odescalchi&oldid=1218423613"