Nerola Castle

The imposing Orsini Castle in Nerola, now a fine 5-star hotel and event venue, is an enchanting setting with breathtaking views.

Dominating the fertile Sabina countryside, just 40 kilometers from the heart of Rome, the “Eternal City,” Orsini Castle tells a thousand-year story of power, intrigue, battles and love, captivating with its timeless charm that evokes nobility, beauty and excellence.

Its construction began back in 1070, around the old fortress of the Prefects of Vico, at the behest of Napoleon Orsini, finding completion in 1085 thanks to his son Gentil Virginio Orsini. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several transformations, including the Renaissance design by Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

In 1092, Pope Urban II purchased the castle, marking a moment of tension with the Orsini. In the following centuries, it became the official residence of several popes, including Paschal II, Gelasius II, Callistus II, Honorius II and Innocent II. However, with the start of the Crusades, the castle was abandoned as a papal seat.

After the period of the Crusades, the castle returned to the hands of the Orsini family, who continued to embellish and expand it. In the late 16th century, Galileo Galilei was a guest for a month, while in 1591 Pope Gregory XIV found refuge here during a plague epidemic in Rome.

In 1696, the Orsini family ceded the castle to the Odescalchi, an ancient family originally from Como. In 1689, upon the death of Innocent XI, William III of England bought it, and later, Anne of England inherited the property. During this period, the castle hosted personalities such as Carlo Fontana and Alessandro Marchetti. Later, it was acquired by John Lethbridge, known for inventing the first diver’s suit.

In 1730, the castle returned to the Church as a papal residence and was subsequently owned by several popes, including Clement XII, Benedict XIV, Clement XIII, Clement XIV and Pius VI. During this period, Napoleon Bonaparte discussed his upcoming marriage here. However, after a century of neglect, it witnessed in 1867 the Agro Romano Campaign for the liberation of Rome, with the occupation by Garibaldi volunteers led by Menotti Garibaldi.

Later, in 1930, soccer player Giuseppe Meazza purchased the castle and oversaw its renovation and garden extension. In 1934, it hosted a party in honor of Italy’s victory in the World Cup. With the advent of Fascism, the castle passed to the C.A.D.L. company by decision of Benito Mussolini, who had a theater created there.

After being sold to Marquis Ferrari-Frey, the castle returned to the C.A.D.L. company only in 1967, and since 1994 it has become a prestigious hotel.