The area dominated by Santa Savera is very old and historical documents refer to its existent in 939 A.D., but in fact it lies on the site of the ancient Roman-Etruscan settlement of Pyrgi. The first reference to the castle dates back to 1068. In that year the castle and its church were given to the abbey of Farfa by Gerardo di Garcia.
The abbey was one of the most powerful ecclesiastical bodies of the time, as well as being one of the biggest land owners in mediaeval Lazio Santa Severa remained a possession of Farfa until 1130, when Pope Anacleto II gave it to the Roman abbey of Saint Paul outside the town walls. At the time the castle was involved in the maritime trading between Lazio and Liguria and Campania. During the XIII century the castle was owned by a number of noble Roman families including imparticular the Bonaventura family and in the XV century passed into the hands of the Anguillara family.Noteworthy works of restoration were carried out in the XV century, with the restructuring of the walls as well as the defensive apparatus. The castle then became the property of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit and became a favourite holiday resort for the pontiffs, namely Gregorio XIII (1580), Sisto V (1588) and Urbano VIII (1633), until 1870. The castle was used as a stategic posting by the Germans in 1943, but was subsequently restored and regained its role as a monumental fortress.The Saracen tower, which was built in the XVI century, is particulary attractive. The castle has recently been the site of two very important archeological discoveries. One involved traces of the great polygonal walls of the III century A.D. (still visible in the 'wood-store'), as well as remains of the mediaeval castle which could date back to the XIII century.

The Castle Museum.
PYRGI AND THE CASTLE OF SANTA SEVERA
Just a few kilometres from Rome, Pyrgi is an ancient Etruscan and Roman settlement, upon which in the mediaeval period the castle of Santa Severa was built. Santa Severa has been a landing place for the Mediterranean since prehistory. Throughout the ages it has been an important meeting point for different peoples and cultures. Santa Severa, on the coast of the 'Etruscan' sea, represents a place of reflection, at which we might ponder upon the emourmous cultural heritage left to us by our forebears. .
Open to the public: Yes
Halls open to the public: 5
Antique furnishings: Yes

Museum opening times:
Every days
Mornings 10:00 -11:00 - 12:00 Afternoons 15:00 - 16:00 Saturdays and Sundays last
visit 17:00