Castel Madama: Fortress, Churches and Rural Paths

Castel Madama combines a distinctive fortress, churches with a long history, regional traditions and rural paths. The Complesso del Borgo in Castel Madama was added to the Rete Dimore Storiche del Lazio in 2026.

Castello Orsini and the Palio Madama Margherita

Castello Orsini was completed in 1308, after the Orsini had expanded an earlier fortified complex. Margaret of Austria later transformed it into an elegant Renaissance fortress. Its design includes a courtyard, a portico surrounded by a gallery and a double defensive wall. This makes it possible to trace, in a single building, the transition from a fortified complex to representative Renaissance architecture.

The Palio Madama Margherita is also associated with Castello Orsini. The festival commemorates the arrival in 1538 of Margarita d’Austria, the daughter of Emperor Charles V, in her fief. During the Palio, the Sunday procession begins at Castello Orsini, passes through the town’s streets and reaches Piazza del Palio. The procession is part of the festival tradition of the Palio Madama Margherita.

Churches in Castel Madama

San Quirico is considered the oldest church in Castel Madama. Documentary evidence of the church can be traced back to 958; an entry in the Regesto della Chiesa Tiburtina is dated December 10, 992.

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo dates from 1771 and is the largest church in Castel Madama. Its central plan is shaped like a Greek cross; it also features radial chapels and an impressive coffered ceiling. On the main altar is a painting of Saint Michael created in 1866 by M. Hardtmunth, copied from the better-known work by Guido Reni.

At Collicelli, San Sebastiano is another church, dating from the mid-16th century. It preserves valuable frescoes, including some by the Zuccari. The three churches connect different periods with their own historical or artistic features in Castel Madama.

Garden, Aqueduct and Paths through the Surroundings

The public dei Collicelli garden offers a viewpoint and connects the old town centre with the newer part of Castel Madama.

The remains of the Anio Novus include colossal arches beside the Empolitana near the A24 exit. Castel Madama’s rural paths are suitable for excursions by mountain bike or on horseback to ancient Roman aqueducts. In this way, historical evidence and outdoor activity in the surroundings complement each other, without limiting the excursions to a single type of interest.

In Parco Europa, La Terrazzetta offers table football and table tennis outdoors.

Pera Spadona and Local Festival Tradition

Pera spadona di Castel Madama is one of Lazio’s traditional agri-food products. Its name connects Castel Madama with a regional culinary speciality. The Sagra della Pera Spadona takes place on the third Sunday in July and has been celebrated since 1958.

More Destinations to Compare

If you would like to compare Castel Madama with other places on your trip to Italy: Morlupo, Roccagiovine, Fonte Nuova, Osteria Dell'osa, Labico, Ottavia, Colle di Fuori, Genzano Di Roma.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rome.