Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese

San Polo dei Cavalieri, Italy, Italy

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Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese is a prominent medieval castle in San Polo dei Cavalieri, a hill town northeast of Rome.

Its origins date back to the early Middle Ages, while the present fortress largely took shape under the Orsini family in the 15th century. Later acquired by the Cesi family, the castle was transformed from a military stronghold into an elegant noble residence decorated with Renaissance frescoes.

It is also closely linked to Federico Cesi, founder of the Accademia dei Lincei, one of the world’s oldest scientific academies, which gave the castle an important cultural role in addition to its historical significance. Today, it remains the town’s most iconic landmark, overlooking the surrounding countryside from a commanding position.