The discovery of tombs in nearby Colonette have revealed that Bracciano has been inhabited as far back as the time of the Etruscans. In the first official reference to the village was made in 1234, when it still owned by t he family of the Prefect of Vico.

In 1290 the castle come into the possession of the hospital of the Holy Spirit of Rome, along with other castles and villages in the area of Bracciano. Later, Bracciano, was to be conquered by the Bretons and became their general headquarters at the time of the struggle between Pope Urbano VI (1378-1389) and the anti-Pope Clemente VII. 1419 Martino V gave possession of the fief of Bracciano to the Orsini family. In around 1470 the old fortified building, which was the prefect's seat, was eanlarged on the orders of Baron Napoleone Orsini who was at the time one of the most powerful figures in the Roman Nobility. It was thanks to him and the spirit of patronage of his family that the castle became a renaissance court, a haven for groups of artists, as well as being the venue for sumptuous parties which attracted and thrilled many distinguished guests. Carlo VIII stopped at the castle in 1494 during his march towards Rome, and Pio IV made the fief a dichy, and in 1584 it was the venue for a splendid and spectacular reception in honour of Marcantonio Colonna after his victory at Lepanto. The Castle of Bracciano was also responsible for the organisation of an estraordinary firework display, accompanies by the firing of the castles artillery on the occasion of the visit to the town of Clemente VIII in 1597. Since the end of the seventeenth century, the castle's owners (the Orsini, the Odescalchi and for a short time the Torlonia) have sought to consolidate and restore the castle Odescalchi of Bracciano.

Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano Piazza Mazzini, 14 - 00062 Bracciano (RM) Tel 06.998.043.48 Fax 06.998.023.80 Director of organisation: Daniela Pandolfo

Official site of the castle

Il Museo del Castello The idea of the museum was that of Don Luigi IV Odescalchi. It opened in 1956 and in 3000m2 contains the most important and fascinating halls of the castle. The museum allows each visitor to take a step back in time to the era of the Renaissance. While viewing the museum halls, full of frescoes and antique furnishings you can breathe in the magical atmosphere of the past. A visit to the castle Odescalchi will not only give you the chance to admire antique objects and historical rooms, but will also lead you to the secret most corners of the castle. Open to the public: Yes Halls open to the public:19 Antique furnishing: Yes

Museum opening times: Summer opening times Mornings from 11:00 to 12:00 Afternoons from 15:00 to 18:00 Saturday, sunday and public holidays: Mornings from 9:00 to 12:30 Afternoons from 15:00 to 18:30 Winter opening times: Mornings from 10:00 to 12:00 Afternoons from 15:00 to 17:00 Saturday, sunday and public holidays: Mornings from 10:00 to 12:30 Afternoons from 15:00 to 18:30