Odescalchi Castle and Lake Bracciano from Rome: tickets, visit and getting there
The Orsini-Odescalchi castle overlooks the small town of Bracciano and its volcanic lake, about 40 km north-west of Rome. Built by the Orsini family in the late 15th century, it has belonged to the Odescalchi family since 1696 and can be visited almost all year round. It is one of the best-preserved and easiest day trips from the capital. It opens every day except 25 December. On weekdays it closes at 5pm in winter and 6pm in summer; at weekends and on public holidays, at 6pm in winter and 7pm in summer, with the ticket office closing an hour earlier. A full-price ticket costs €10, and the guided tours on Sundays and public holidays are included in the price.
Highlights
The fortress
A mass of stone with round towers and high curtain walls, reflected in the lake. The exterior is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Lazio.
The towers and the wall walk
The climb to the towers and terraces gives a wide view over the town, the lake and the surrounding hills.
Lake Bracciano
A lake of volcanic origin, lined with pebble beaches and small villages such as Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia. Motorboats are banned, which keeps it calm.
The decorated rooms
The interior preserves frescoes by Antoniazzo Romano and the Zuccari brothers, as well as period furniture.
The arms room
A collection of ancient weapons and armour, set up in the rooms of the fortress.
Bracciano old town
Medieval lanes at the foot of the castle, to explore on foot before or after the visit.
Practical info
Tips
Prices noted in October 2026 on the castle's official website: €10 full price, €9 reduced, €8 for children aged 6 to 12, free under 6. Optional guided tours are included in the ticket on Sundays and public holidays, at set times; the rest of the week you visit freely. Cards are accepted. Allow about two hours for the castle, plus half a day if you add the lake. In summer, a swim in the lake combines well with the visit. To fit this trip into a programme around Etruscan civilisation, see our guide to the Etruscans around Rome.
How to get there
Via Giulio Volpi 12, 00062 Bracciano (RM). By train: the Rome–Viterbo regional line (FL3) from Roma Ostiense, Trastevere or Tiburtina; the journey takes about an hour, then a walk leads up from the station to the centre and the castle. By car: about an hour from Rome, via the Cassia or Braccianese Claudia road; parking is outside the old town. See also our guides to driving in Rome and getting around Rome.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.