15 minutes from Trevignano
Odescalchi Castle of Bracciano
One of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Italy. Hours, tickets, history.
In short
The Bracciano castle at a glance
The Orsini-Odescalchi Castle of Bracciano is a 15th-century Renaissance fortress-residence, built between 1470 and 1485 by the Orsini family. It sits at Via Giulio Volpi 12 in Bracciano, on Lake Bracciano, about 15 minutes by car from Trevignano Romano and 40 minutes from Rome. The full ticket costs €10 (reduced €9, children 6-12 €8). It is open every day except 25 December, from 10:00 to 18:00 (Mon-Fri) and until 19:00 on weekends. It became famous in 2006 for the Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes wedding, but the real reason to visit is the incredible state of preservation of halls, frescoes and armouries.
Essentials
Hours, tickets, contacts
📅 Opening hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:00)
Sat, Sun, holidays: 10:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:00)
Closed: 25 December
🎟️ Tickets
Full: €10
Reduced: €9
Children 6-12: €8
Under 6: free
Sundays and holidays: free guided tour
📍 Address
Via Giulio Volpi, 12
00062 Bracciano (RM)
odescalchi.it
⏱️ Visit duration
Self-guided: ~1h 30
With guided tour: ~2h
Combined with the village: half a day
History
From Orsini fortress to Odescalchi residence
Construction was started by Napoleone Orsini in 1470 and completed by his son Virginio Gentil in 1485. The design is by Renaissance architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The castle combines military requirements (massive walls, five towers, machicolations) with court life (frescoed halls, private apartments, internal gardens).
For two centuries it belonged to the Orsini, one of the most powerful families of the Papal States. In 1696 it was bought by Livio Odescalchi, nephew of Pope Innocent XI, and has been continuously owned by the Odescalchi family ever since.
The castle has hosted figures such as Isabella de' Medici — who according to legend was strangled here by her husband Paolo Giordano Orsini — and many popes and rulers. Today it is managed by the Odescalchi Foundation, which organises visits, events and weddings.
The visit route
What to see inside
Hall of the Orsini
15th-century frescoes telling the deeds of the family. Coats of arms, weapons and the iconic bear, family heraldic symbol.
Medici-Orsini Apartment
The private rooms, with period furniture, portraits and personal objects. The room said to belong to Isabella de' Medici.
Hall of Arms
One of the richest armouries in Italy, with full suits of armour, swords, arquebuses and cannon.
Wall walk
Walk along the perimeter of the walls with panoramic views of Lake Bracciano and the medieval village of Bracciano.
Medieval kitchens
Imposing fireplaces, original utensils, pantries. A rare testimony of court daily life.
Garden and courtyards
Inner courtyards and the garden offer photo opportunities and a moment of pause with lake views.
Hollywood at the castle
The Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes wedding
On 18 November 2006 the castle was the set of one of the most mediatic weddings in history: Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes with a Scientology rite. The ceremony, costing more than 3 million dollars, lasted several days and ended with a great fireworks display over the castle.
Since then the Odescalchi Castle has been one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Europe, hosting couples from all over the world every summer weekend. It has also been a set for many films and TV productions.
Getting there
From Trevignano, from Rome and from the airport
From Trevignano Romano
15 minutes by car (11.8 km) along the lake. The ideal distance: half a day at the castle and back to Trevignano for lunch or aperitivo on the lakefront.
From Rome
- By car: 40 minutes via SS493 Braccianese, or GRA + exit 5
- By train: FL3 line from Rome Ostiense, San Pietro or Trastevere to Bracciano (~1h). From the station the castle is a 10-minute uphill walk
From Fiumicino airport
About 50 minutes by car via GRA + SS493.
Parking
Paid parking in the village of Bracciano (blue lines, ~€1/hour). Best to park down by the lake and walk up.
Keep exploring
Other things to see around the lake
Etruscan Museum of Trevignano →
Etruscan tombs and vases unique in the world. Free entry. 15 minutes from the castle.
Events in Trevignano →
Calendar of traditional festivals: San Bernardino, 15 August procession, January bonfire.
Things to do at the lake →
The 8 must-do experiences on Lake Bracciano.
A perfect base for visiting the castle
La Casetta del Borgo is in Trevignano Romano, 15 minutes from Bracciano Castle. From €37/night, 4.87★ on Airbnb.
Book on Airbnb