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The Orsini-Odescalchi castle with its round towers above BraccianoLivioandronico2013 · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · Lake Bracciano

Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano

Renaissance fortress of the Orsini above the lake, with furnished rooms, frescoes, armour and the sentry walk; open every day and with a guide included on Sundays.

InformationFrom €10
From
€10
Duration
1 h 30
Season
All year except 25 December
Who it's for
Families, history, lake views

The castle dominates Bracciano and the lake from the top of the village. It was built by the Orsini at the end of the 15th century and since the 17th century has belonged to the Odescalchi, who still own it. It is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Italy and, inside, a home: rooms with frescoes, wooden ceilings, furniture, armour and weapons, and the sentry walk along the walls with views of the whole lake.

Opening times and tickets

Open every day of the year except 25 December, without a break: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00) and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00). On days of private events the hours may change. Tickets cost €10; €8 for ages 6 to 12; €9 with discounts (university students and over-65s on Tuesdays); free up to age 5. The visit is self-guided, with an app; on Sundays and public holidays there are guided tours included in the ticket at 10:30, 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00. There is no need to book except for private visits.

Getting there

The entrance is at Via Giulio Volpi, 12, in the centre of Bracciano. From the FL3 railway station it is about a fifteen-minute walk uphill. By car, park in the village car parks, not in the old town.

Tips

  • Go on a Sunday The guided tour is included and leaves four times a day.
  • Small dogs in arms Only small dogs are admitted, carried in arms or in a carrier.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the ticket?

€10; €8 for ages 6 to 12; free up to 5.

Do I need to book?

No, except for private visits.

Is it open on Mondays?

Yes, every day of the year except Christmas Day.

As a familyWith teenagers

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

Terrace with parasols lit up at night beside the wall© Il Ristorantino del Castello

Il Ristorantino del Castello

Restaurant · Bracciano · €€€€

What to order: a lake fish dish and a fresh pasta; ask about the tasting menu

To stay nearby

Breakfast on a terrace facing the lake© Borgo Vista LagoSmall hotel

Hotel Diffuso Borgo Vista Lago

12 rooms · Old town of Trevignano · Lake view · Massages

Why we like it: Albergo diffuso with 12 rooms in houses and former workshops in the old town of Trevignano Romano, several with lake views and balconies, and massages with views.

Aerial view of the farmhouse among meadows and woodland© AgrihouseCountry house

Agrihouse

3 rooms and 2 apartments · Farm with animals · Organic produce · Trails

Why we like it: Organic farm stay in the countryside of Sambuco, west of Bracciano: three rooms and two apartments among meadows, vegetable garden and farm animals.

Itineraries

Features in these plans