At Albergo della Posta, we always tell our guests the same thing: staying in Bracciano without visiting the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle is like going to Rome and skipping the Colosseum. Impossible. And we don’t say this just out of local pride — it’s because this is one of the most beautiful and impressive Renaissance residences in Europe, and it is practically our next-door neighbour.
Stepping inside means immersing yourself in over five centuries of history, told through ancient weapons, furnishings, paintings, manuscripts, frescoes and decorations that still preserve their original charm intact.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to organize your visit at its best.
A bit of history
The history of the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle began in 1470, when Napoleone Orsini commissioned its construction, likely entrusting it to the same craftsmen working at that time on the Sistine Chapel and the great Roman palaces of the early Renaissance. Architects such as Francesco del Borgo and Giovannino de’ Dolci may have contributed to its design.
The construction site, lasting about fifteen years, was completed by his son Gentil Virginio Orsini, who called upon Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the greatest engineer of the time, to strengthen its military defences. Over time, however, the structure underwent several modifications and transformations.
The building was turned from a military fortress into a noble residence by Paolo Giordano Orsini on the occasion of his marriage to Isabella de’ Medici in 1558, which led to Bracciano becoming a duchy in 1560. Giacomo del Duca and Nanni di Baccio Bigio were commissioned to build loggias, triumphal arches and hanging gardens, while the Zuccari brothers decorated the most important rooms.
With the extinction of the Orsini family in 1696, the castle was purchased by the Odescalchi family, who carried out further improvements and still own it today.
What to see at the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
The Castle of Bracciano is today an extraordinary historic residence, one of the most impressive examples of the Italian Renaissance. The visit follows a historical and artistic itinerary that retraces the events of the great figures who built, defended, lived in and frequented it over the centuries. Alongside its striking military and noble architecture, visitors can admire richly decorated halls, frescoes, paintings, period furnishings, weapon collections and panoramic views over the lake.
Let’s discover its most fascinating spaces.
The Hall of Arms
This large room, dedicated to the condottiero Gentil Virginio, houses one of the largest civil frescoes of 15th-century Rome: the military parade of Gentil Virginio and the meeting with Piero de’ Medici by Antoniazzo Romano. It also features a valuable collection of weapons and armour, mostly from the 16th century, belonging to Baldassarre and Ladislao Odescalchi.
The Hall of Hercules
Named after the beautiful frieze running beneath the ceiling depicting episodes from the life of the classical hero, it preserves the earliest pieces of the armory collection started by Prince Ladislao Odescalchi in the 19th century and completed by Prince Innocenzo shortly before World War II.
The Hall of the Ladies
Decorated with frescoes depicting female figures inspired by the writings of Boccaccio and Christine de Pizan, possibly commissioned by Bartolomea Orsini. It also houses part of a precious collection of ceramics from the most important Italian production centres.
The Papal Hall
Famous for hosting Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere in 1481 while fleeing the plague in Rome, it features a magnificent ceiling frescoed by the Zuccari brothers in 1560, on the occasion of the wedding between Paolo Giordano Orsini and Isabella de’ Medici, with a wedding horoscope embedded in rich golden grotesque decorations.
The Umberto Hall
A space linked to the more recent history of the castle, it hosted King Umberto I of Savoy for about two months in 1900. The coffered ceiling decoration is attributed to the school of Antoniazzo Romano and likely dates to the final phase of the castle’s construction. The furnishings, especially the bed, preserve typical 16th-century decorations.
Types of tours
In addition to the standard visit, supported by a dedicated app that enhances the experience with multimedia content, the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle offers several guided tour options.
Private tour
An exclusive experience with a guide who leads visitors through the castle, from its origins to the present day. The narrative retraces the main historical events that shaped its story.
Private tour of the Castle and the Secret Garden
In addition to the standard route, this tour includes access to the Secret Garden, designed by Giacomo del Duca in the second half of the 16th century and normally closed to the public.
Private tour of the Castle and the Medici Orsini Apartment
This guided tour includes the wedding apartment of Paolo Giordano Orsini and Isabella de’ Medici, usually closed to the public, offering a more intimate glimpse into court life.
Private tour of the Castle, the Medici Orsini Apartment, and the Secret Garden
A complete and exclusive experience combining the castle itinerary with access to both the Secret Garden and the Medici Orsini Apartment, areas normally closed to the public.
Tasting tour
Compared to the full private tour, this experience ends with a tasting of local, zero-kilometre products in a dedicated area.
Princess tour (for children)
Children are guided through the castle with stories, riddles and games.
Useful information for your visit
The entrance for visits is at Via Giulio Volpi 12, just 100 metres from our hotel. In the morning you can see the castle from our terrace; in the evening you can admire it beautifully illuminated.
The castle is open every day of the year, except 25 December. Opening hours may change on days when private events are held.
Winter hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Sat/Sun & holidays: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00)
Summer hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00)
Sat/Sun & holidays: 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00)
Every Sunday and public holiday, the Livio IV Odescalchi Foundation offers visitors a free optional guided route to learn more about the castle at the following times: 10:30 – 11:00 – 12:00 – 12:30 – 15:00 – 15:30 – 16:30 – 17:00.
Tickets
Full price: €10
Reduced children (6–12): €8
Reduced (residents, university students with ID, military and law enforcement with ID, over 65 only on Tuesdays): €9
Children 0–5: free
Contacts
Tel. +39 06 99804348 / +39 06 99802379
museo@odescalchi.it
An unmissable experience just steps from Albergo della Posta
The Orsini-Odescalchi Castle is not only one of the main historical attractions in Lazio, but a truly immersive experience to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, guided by its timeless atmosphere. Its extraordinary proximity to Albergo della Posta makes it a must-see for anyone staying in Bracciano: in just a few steps you move from hotel comfort to one of the most important Renaissance residences in Europe.
Photo © Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
