Castello Barberini

Palazzo Barberini, Montelibretti
The origins date back to Roman times, when there was a villa belonging to Gaius Brutius Presentes, father-in-law of the emperor Commodus. The name of the Bruzii lands was transformed into the toponym “Castellum Britti“. In the 12th century, the castle, then known as “Mons Brictorum” or “de Brictis”, was owned by Longobard families.
In the 14th century, it came under the control of the Orsini family, who in the 16th century united Montelibretti to other neighboring fiefdoms, forming the “State of Montelibretti“. In 1664, the castle and the surrounding territory were acquired by the Barberini family, who transformed the medieval structure into a baronial palace, while maintaining the original defensive features, such as the four cylindrical towers at the corners. Subsequently, the property passed to the Sciarra family. In 1867, during the Agro Romano Campaign for the liberation of Rome, Montelibretti was the scene of clashes between Garibaldi’s troops and those of the Pope and France. A monument in the historic center of the town commemorates these events.
Since 1900, the Montelibretti Castle has experienced several changes of ownership and intended use. That year, the properties of Prince Maffeo Barberini Colonna di Sciarra were expropriated in favor of the Bank of Italy. Subsequently, in 1905, the castle was sold to Senator Bombrini, who in turn sold it to Duke Pietro Lante della Rovere in 1909.During the 20th century, the castle underwent structural changes: two of the original perimeter towers were incorporated into the walls built in the 17th century, making the structure more compact and suitable for the residential needs of the time. Today, the Montelibretti Castle represents an important historical and architectural heritage, witness to the different eras and noble families that have marked the history of the region.