| Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Castle Bracciano | |
|---|---|
| Bracciano, Lazio, Italy | |
.jpg) Castello Orsini-Odescalchi | |
| Location | |
  Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Castle Bracciano Location of Castello Orsini-Odescalchi | |
| Coordinates | 42°06′16″N12°10′40″E / 42.1044°N 12.1778°E /42.1044; 12.1778 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1470–1485 |
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is a castle inBracciano, Italy. It is located on the southern shore ofLake Bracciano. It was built in the 15th century, and combines the functions of a military defence structure and a civilian residence of the feudal lords of the period, theOrsini andBorgia, both papal families. As one of the largest and best-maintained castles inItaly, it also houses a museum; as a centre of cultural events, the Castello has hosted several high-profile weddings such as those ofTom Cruise/Katie Holmes,Eros Ramazzotti/Michelle Hunziker, andPetra Ecclestone/James Stunt.[1][2][3]
The well-preserved medieval castle Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is located in the city of Bracciano, 30 km away fromRome. It is located near the western shore of the volcanic lake (Lago di Bracciano or "Sabatino", the eighth largest lake in Italy). The railway line FR3 connects it with Rome (stations ofOstiense andValle Aurelia) in about 55 minutes. Close to it lie the two medieval towns ofAnguillara Sabazia andTrevignano Romano.[1][2]
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 theSaracen attacks, as implied by the ancient name ofCastrum Brachiani. In the eleventh century the neighbouring territory was acquired by thePrefetti di Vico family, who turned the tower into a castle.Ferdinand Gregorovius dated the possession of Bracciano by theOrsini to 1234. From 1375, it was aPapal possession.[2][4][5]
In 1419, theColonnaPope Martin V confirmed the fiefdom of Bracciano in the Orsini family branch ofTagliacozzo. Under this powerful family, Bracciano developed into a flourishing town, famous in the whole of Italy for its castle, which was enlarged, starting from 1470, by Napoleone Orsini and his sonVirginio. In 1481 it was host toPope Sixtus IV, who had fled from the plague in Rome; theSala Papalina in one of the corner towers commemorates the event. Four years later, however, the city and the castle were ravaged by Papal troops underProspero 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 di Giorgio Martini was the architect. Over the centuries of its existence, the castle has been the venue of many a conflict betweenColonna and Borgia noble families. In 1494,Charles VIII of France and his troops marching against Rome stopped at Bracciano. This act led to the ex-communication of the Orsini. In 1496, the castle which was under the Orsini family who were politically well connected and prosperous, attracted the ire of Pope Alexander VI whose sonGiovanni di Candia led a papal army and tried to capture it. However, the Orsinis successfully resisted the attack.Cesare Borgia, another of Alexander's natural sons, was unsuccessful in his attempt to take the Orsini stronghold a few years later. During this time the castle underwent modifications with many interior decorations created in the form of paintings and frescoes byAntoniazzo Romano, a Roman painter and sculptor of the 15th century.Pope Sixtus IV, bornFrancesco della Rovere, had shifted fromRome to this castle during the plague epidemic. At this time, the rooms where the Pope stayed were decorated with frescoes by theTaddeo Zuccari andFederico Zuccari brothers.[2][4][5]
The sixteenth century was a period of splendour for Bracciano and the castle. In 1558, the notoriousPaolo Giordano I Orsini, marrying Isabella de' Medici, daughter ofCosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, received the title of duke of Bracciano. However, the lavish life of the greedy Orsini family eventually affected the economic conditions of the city. The last great ruler was probablyPaolo Giordano II, a patron of arts and literature which made Bracciano a centre of culture in Italy. The decline culminated in 1696 when the castle was sold to Livio Odescalchi, nephew ofPope Innocent XI; theOdescalchi 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 PrinceLivio Odescalchi III.[2]
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 frescoedfriezes 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 Hercules[6] is still visible.[1][2]
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 PrinceLivio Odescalchi IV.[1][3]
A number of films, TV series, and TV programs have been set in the castle:Othello,Megiddo: The Omega Code 2,More Than a Miracle,On My Way to the Crusades, I Met a Girl Who...,The Count of Monte Cristo,Incantato,Imperial Venus,The Agony and the Ecstasy,The Wedding Party,Luisa Sanfelice,Coco Chanel,Medici: Masters of Florence,Castle of the Living Dead (1964),[citation needed]Kath & Kimderella, andBill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.[7]
The castle has hosted a number of events, especially weddings of wealthy actors and singers.Hollywood actorsTom Cruise andKatie Holmes were married at the castle.[8]
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