Rocca dei Papi e Museo dell'Architettura

A medieval stronghold guarding Montefiascone.

At the top of a hill, 633 meters above sea level, stands the Rocca dei Papi, an imposing fortress built in the 12th century by Pope Innocent III to defend the village of Montefiscone. Its strategic position allowed it to dominate a vast surrounding area for centuries, becoming a symbol of power and control.

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Traces of a millennial past

The history of the Rocca is closely intertwined with that of Montefiscone. The many cultures that have followed one another on the hill have left indelible traces, telling a story that dates back to the Eneolithic period and continues to the present day.

Starting from the 13th century, the Rocca became an important landmark for the Popes, who oversaw its expansion and fortification.

A masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.

Among the popes who most contributed to the transformation of the Rocca was Urban V, who chose it as his summer residence between 1367 and 1370. During the Avignon Papacy, the Rocca became the center of political affairs for the Patrimony of Saint Peter in Tuscia, now the province of Viterbo. A crucial role was played by Cardinal Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz. Towards the end of the 15th century, Pope Alexander IV launched a military modernization program for the papal fortresses, including that of Montefiscone. To adapt it to the new warfare needs associated with the use of gunpowder and cannons, Antonio da Sangallo the Elder was commissioned to draft a renovation project. The works continued into the 16th century under the direction of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, who transformed the Rocca into a masterpiece of Renaissance military architecture.

A gradual decline and a new life.

The decline of the Rocca began under Pope Paul III Farnese, who moved its cannons to the fortress he built in Perugia and relocated the seat of the Rector of the Patrimony to Viterbo. By the late 17th century, the Rocca was granted to Cardinal Barbarigo, who repurposed its materials for the construction of the Seminary and converted the surviving structures into a warehouse and printing house.

A Museum Dedicated to Sangallo’s Genius

Today, the Rocca dei Papi houses the Museum of Architecture of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, offering a unique opportunity to admire and understand the work of this Renaissance master. The museum showcases models, drawings, and other artifacts that illustrate his contributions to military and civil architecture of the era.

An unmissable experience.

The Rocca dei Papi is a unique place that encapsulates centuries of history, art, and architecture. It is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the past and admire the beauty of a monument that stands as a masterpiece of Italy’s artistic heritage.