Caetani Castle

Caetani Castle has dominated Sermoneta for eight centuries.

Admire its imposing towers and the famous Pinte Rooms.

1. The Castle

The Castle of Sermoneta is one of the most striking medieval fortresses in Lazio. Built in the mid-13th century by the Annibaldi family, it was established as a military outpost […]

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2. Elms Square

Elms Square can be considered a fortified outer courtyard built for defensive purposes. The square takes its name from the elm trees that once shaded this area; the last one […]

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3. Maschietto

Il Maschietto, o contro-torre, è una struttura difensiva più bassa, addossata sul lato meridionale del maschio. Il maschietto, caratterizzato da un medesimo apparecchio costruttivo, è stato edificato in un cantiere […]

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4. First Drawbridge

The first drawbridge served as the main defensive entrance to the castle’s inner courtyard. The timber bridge connected the outer fortifications to the central core and could be quickly raised […]

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5. Area of the Church of San Pietro in Corte

The small church was likely built during the Middle Ages, near the Belvedere Tower. Today, only a few fragments remain: some 10th–11th century capitals scattered throughout the castle, along with […]

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6. Saint Barbara Chapel

The Cappella di Santa Barbara is dedicated to the patron saint of soldiers and artillerymen, invoked for protection against the dangers of weapons and explosions. Its presence at the heart […]

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7. The Maschio Tower

The Maschio Tower is the main tower of Caetani Castle, a symbol of power and defence. Built in the mid-13th century by the Annibaldi, it rises 42 metres above the […]

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8. The French Prisons

Within Caetani Castle lies a striking space: the French Prisons. Located on the raised floors of the Maschio and the Maschietto Towers, these rooms testify to the castle’s military and […]

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9. Place of Arms

The Place of Arms forms the heart of the castle. It lies as a quadrangular inner courtyard, reached by ascending past two drawbridges. It sits above a large tank carved […]

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10. Prisons

The Caetani Castle prisons were austere, confined spaces used for the detention of common criminals and political opponents, reflecting the fortress’s military and custodial role. Located in the basement levels, […]

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11. Gendarmes’ Hall

This space was intended for the armed garrison responsible for guarding the castle and protecting the Caetani family, particularly during periods marked by political tension and territorial conflicts. During the […]

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12. Cellar

Below the Casa del Cardinale, on the western side of the fortress, lies a large room that once served as the castle’s cellar. This function is documented from the 15th […]

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13. Inner wall walk

The inner wall walk runs along a section of the castle’s curtain walls, between the Torre di Ponente (West Tower) and the Torre del Belvedere. It allowed control of the […]

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14. Stables

Beneath the Casa del Cardinale lies the large stable, characterised by a barrel vault, cobbled floors, and troughs for fodder. The column at the top of the sloping ramp leading […]

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15. Second drawbridge

Beneath the Casa del Cardinale lies the large stable, characterised by a barrel vault, cobbled floors, and troughs for fodder. The column at the top of the sloping ramp leading […]

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16. Outer wall walk

The outer wall walk runs along part of the external defensive circuit and offers a strategic vantage point over the surrounding territory. It was used to monitor enemies and coordinate […]

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17. Belvedere Tower

Thanks to its strategic position, the Torre del Belvedere allowed control of the communication routes toward Rome and Naples, and it still offers breathtaking views that captivate visitors today. The […]

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18. Bedroom

In the early 20th century, Gelasio Caetani renovated the large hall on the first floor of the Maschio Tower, converting it into the Duke’s bedroom. The room became the lord’s […]

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19. Study

The Study, located within the rooms of the Maschietto Tower, is one of the most refined and significant spaces in the castle, embodying the power and culture of the Caetani […]

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20. Servants’ Quarters

The servants’ quarters housed the staff responsible for the castle’s daily life. They were generally located on the lower floors or in more secluded areas, reflecting both the social hierarchy […]

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21. Cardinal’s house

The Cardinal’s house, built during the brief Borgia period in the early 16th century, is the only building in the castle specifically intended as a residence. The house was designed […]

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22. Kitchen

The castle kitchen was one of the most vital spaces, designed to meet the needs of a large household and high-ranking guests. Located near the reception rooms, it consisted of […]

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23. Camera da letto

La grande sala al primo piano del Maschio fu restaurata agli inizi del XX secolo da Gelasio Caetani e trasformata nella stanza da letto del Duca conserva arredi prevalentemente cinquecenteschi […]

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24. Hall of the Barons

The great Sala dei Baroni is among the most imposing work carried out by the Caetani in the early 14th century. Located adjacent to the Maschio Tower and now known […]

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25. Castle

Room of the Nymphs – Painted Rooms The Stanza delle Ninfe, part of the Painted Rooms of the Caetani Castle, exemplifies the late-15th-century taste for classical mythology. Its walls are […]

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26. Caetani Castle

Caetani Castle dates back to the 13th century. Over its long history, this splendid fortress has withstood attacks and wars, hosting notable figures and witnessing centuries of events. It stands […]

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27. The Maschietto Tower

The Maschietto Tower, or counter-tower, is a smaller defensive structure attached to the southern side of the Maschio Tower. Built using the same construction technique, it was erected after the […]

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