Castles and Palaces of Rome

This collection spans centuries of Roman power, from strategic 15th-century coastal fortifications like Forte Michelangelo and the Castle of Julius II to the opulent Renaissance and Baroque residences of the city's noble families. Highlights include the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle overlooking Lake Bracciano, the Papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, and architectural masterpieces by Bernini and Borromini, such as Palazzo Barberini. These sites showcase defensive military engineering alongside the artistic grandeur of papal and ducal estates across the Lazio region.

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Orsini-Odescalchi Castle

Historic Renaissance castle from the 15th century featuring well-preserved architecture, frescoes, and gardens overlooking a lake. Functions as a museum and venue for cultural events and weddings.

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Villa Medici

The Villa Medici is a Mannerist villa and an architectural complex with a garden contiguous with the larger Borghese gardens, on the…

Livioandronico2013 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Barberini Palace

This Renaissance palace is the joint work of three most admired architects of the era - Bernini, Borromini and Maderno.

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Colonna Palace

The Palazzo Colonna is a palace in central Rome, Italy, at the base of the Quirinal Hill, and adjacent to the church of Santi Apostoli.

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Montecitorio Palace

This 17th-century palace is the official seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

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Farnese Palace

Palazzo Farnese or Farnese Palace is one of the most important High Renaissance palaces in Rome.

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Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance suburban villa in the Via della Lungara, in the district of Trastevere in Rome, central Italy.

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Altemps Palace

This branch of the National Roman Museum is a must-see for every lover of art and history.

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Palace of Italian Civilization

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro, or in everyday speech as the Colosseo Quadrato, is…

Deblu68 / Public domain

Papal summer residence

The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, or the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo from its Italian name Palazzo Apostolico di Castel Gandolfo…

Gspinoza / Public domain

Forte Michelangelo

A 16th-century coastal fortress commissioned by Pope Julius II to protect the port of Civitavecchia. Designed by Bramante and completed with a central tower attributed to Michelangelo, it features massive ramparts and four corner bastions named after saints.

Livioandronico2013 / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Castle of Julius II

Also called Rocca di Ostia, this castle is part of the Ostia Antica museum complex.

Deblu68 / Public domain

Palazzo Chigi of Ariccia

The Palazzo Chigi of Ariccia was the ducal palace of the Chigi family located in the center of the town of Ariccia, near Rome, Italy.

Stella aboaf / cc-by-sa-4.0

Rocca Pia

Fifteenth-century papal fortress built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater to secure military control over the Aniene river valley. This national monument served as a defensive structure, barracks, and prison before being restored and opened to the public.