Bracciano

Like Trevignano Romano, Bracciano has a nice sea front on the lake, also several reasonable restaurants although my favourite is in the town rather than on the shore. It is the Osteria del Borgo which I am happy to recommend.

But most of all, Bracciano is famous for the caste “Castello Orsini-Odescalchi” one of the most noteworthy examples of Renaissance military architecture in Italy and it is the main monument in Bracciano.

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. Over the centuries of its existence, the castle has been the venue of many a conflict between Colonna and Borgia noble families.

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 Prince Livio Odescalchi IV.

To this date, the castle is still the private property of the Odescalchi family, but fortunately, it is open to visitors.

Some celebrities, including Tom Cruise, have used the venue for their weddings.