Tivoli’s Castle of Rocca Pia

explore tivoli, italy

In the mid 15th century Rocca Pia Castle was built on the top of the hill in Tivoli’s town center.  In 1461 Pope Pius ll built the massive castle as a means of controlling the riotous population and as a symbol of the permanence of papal power and authority there.

Beginning in July 1461, architects
Niccolo and Varrone were entrusted with the construction of Rocca Pia castle. It took a year to complete. Later on the castle was reconstructed under the rule of Pope Sixtus lX and Pope Julius ll.

The castle is composed of four towers, joined together by high walls crowned with hanging bows. The massive wall of the medieval town was raised in the north part, adding a door, defended from a bastion above. This was to later become La Taverna Della Rocca restaurant.

Two towers are larger than the others and are located towards the outside to provide the best defense against attack. The largest tower contains six overlapping rooms. The next largest has five overlapping rooms. The inner two towers each have three overlapping rooms. The entrance on the north side was fitted with a drawbridge.

French and Australian troops occupied the Rocha in the 1700s and it was used as army barracks. In the time of Napoleon it was used as a prison with the factory added to the north wall. It continued to be used as a prison until 1960.

The castle is well preserved to this day and stands in all its majestic glory for all to see. Just one of the many amazing sights awaiting your trip to Tivoli.

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