Castello di Torre in Pietra

Castello di Torre in Pietra is a marvellous example of an architectural complex of medieval origin, featuring significant examples of 16th and 17th-century architecture and painting. The moat, watchtower and surrounding walls that embrace the entire complex are still remarkably well preserved. Within this historical enclosure, several important structures have been constructed and transformed over time. At the heart of the hamlet, the 17th-century Palazzo takes centre stage.

Upon ascending to its main ‘piano nobile’ floor, it is possible to admire a stunning array of frescoes crafted by painter Pier Leone Ghezzi, who adorned the rooms with a sequence of landscapes, trompe-l’oeil illusions, religious scenes, portraits of nobility and clergy, allegorical figures, coats of arms, as well as portraits of Cardinals and Pope Benedict XIII.

In front of the Palazzo, a large courtyard, partially paved with Roman basalt cobblestones, leads to two spacious gardens shaded by plane trees and centuries-old pine trees, with an ancient fountain in the centre. On the right-hand side is the beautiful octagonal Church of St. Anthony Abbot, designed by renowned architect Ferdinando Fuga in the 18th century and decorated by Ghezzi. To the left, on the ground floor of another building is Sala Peretti, a vast hall with an imposing vaulted ceiling and a beautiful fireplace, which has been recently restored. An encircling belt of woods envelops and shields the Castle, preserving its captivating and enigmatic character, even with its close proximity to the bustling Via Aurelia and Rome.

The history of Castello di Torre in Pietra
The current complex of buildings has medieval origins and was originally formed as a ‘castrum’, a fortified agricultural village centred around the lord’s residence, following a model of rural settlement that was widespread in the Roman countryside at the time. This can still be seen today when observing the towers, rampart, moat and surrounding walls.

The first document describing this settlement with its ancient name of ‘Castrum Castiglionis’ dates back to 1254, in which it is mentioned among the possessions bequeathed to one of his sons by a nobleman of the Roman Norman Alberteschi family. It later became the property of the Anguillara and Massimo families.

The name ‘Torre in Pietra’, which derives from the isolated stone tower built on a rocky outcrop near the castle, first appeared on a map from 1620 illustrating the estates of the Peretti princes. In 1590, the estate was acquired by Camilla Peretti, sister of Pope Sixtus V, and the pope’s nephew, Michele Peretti, commissioned architect Francesco Peperelli to build a new noble residence on the remains of the medieval castrum.

Some of the rooms on the ‘piano nobile’ floor were covered with decorative leather panels, while others were frescoed, in accordance with the prevailing custom of the time. Today, the Palazzo largely preserves its 17th-century layout, with the Peretti coat of arms still prominently displayed above the main entrance. However, the family’s extravagant lifestyle ultimately led to the irreversible depletion of their fortune, compelling the Peretti family to sell the Castle and its estate to Prince Orazio Falconieri in 1639.

The Falconieri family, who owned Torre in Pietra for over two centuries, were powerful bankers who reached the pinnacle of their power and wealth when Orazio’s grandson Alessandro was appointed Cardinal by Pope Benedict XIII in 1724. Between 1712 and 1725, Alessandro decided to partially alter the 17th-century appearance of the Castle by calling upon two geniuses of the time: architect Ferdinando Fuga and painter Pier Leone Ghezzi. The medieval church was demolished and rebuilt to a project by Fuga, who also designed the new entrance staircase to the Palazzo. Both the church and the ‘piano nobile’ floors were then frescoed by Ghezzi.

From 1870 onward, the Castle and its estate saw a succession of owners, including the Carpegnas, the Florios and the agricultural reclamation company Società Bonifiche Agrarie. The property experienced a long period of neglect until it was acquired by Senator Luigi Albertini in 1926. Forced to relinquish his role as the editor of the Corriere della Sera newspaper due to his opposition to Fascism, Albertini redirected his considerable energy towards the impressive endeavour of reclaiming the marshy land. He established a model farm and embarked on the restoration of the castle, the church and the village, assisted by his son, Leonardo Albertini, and son-in-law, Nicolò Carandini.

Facilities and services: weddings and private events at Castello di Torre in Pietra.
At Castello di Torre in Pietra, we are pleased to organise photographic and film sets, exhibitions and concerts, as well as hosting weddings, private events, gala evenings, meetings and guided tours. Weddings and private event
Castello di Torre in Pietra is an ideal venue to celebrate a religious wedding in the Church dedicated to St. Anthony Abbot. Thanks to our agreement with the Municipality of Fiumicino, civil wedding ceremonies can also be held at the Castle. For wedding receptions and gala dinners, as well as more intimate ceremonies such as communions, confirmations and anniversaries, we can accommodate up to 200 seated guests in various rooms on the ‘piano nobile’ first floor, 160 in the Sala Peretti and 500 people in the garden.

We provide seating for 180 people in the Sala Peretti, 90 on the ‘piano nobile’ first floor, and various smaller meeting rooms are also available for your conferences, concerts, presentations and training days.

Team-building activities can be conducted in various settings, including indoor spaces, the garden, the surrounding woodland and in the wine cellar. These activities encompass a wide range of options, such as cooking classes, sports, educational pursuits, cultural experiences and recreational events.

Visiting the Castle and the wine cella
In addition, we offer guided tours of the Castle and the Church, complemented by wine tastings and guided tours of our winery. For Italian and international visitor groups, enhancing their trip to Italy with a unique experience awaits as they immerse themselves in the art, culture and Italian cuisine at our private historic residence.

Groups belonging to cultural associations and scholars can book a guided tour with a written request. Visits are reserved for groups of a minimum of 15 people.

The Castle is open to the public, free of charge, on the first Monday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The church is open on Sundays and public holidays for Holy Mass at 10 a.m.

Castello di Torre in Pietra is easily accessible: we are on the Via Aurelia, 25 km from Rome, 3 km from the Rome-Civitavecchia motorway, 19 km from Fiumicino Airport and 40 km from the Port of Civitavecchia.