Piccolomini Castle

Piccolomini Castle is a rectangular fortress with four corner towers, stone battlements, and defensive walls surrounding a central courtyard containing a deep well. The structure displays the functional design of a medieval stronghold built to protect and control this territory.

Construction began in 1392 under Pietro De' Berardi, who established the fortress's foundational structure. Decades later, Leonello Acclozamora added extra floors and towers to strengthen and expand the work.

The castle houses the Sacred Art Museum of Marsica, displaying religious artifacts, sculptures, and paintings spanning many centuries of local faith traditions. The collection reflects how sacred objects held meaning for generations living in this area.

Today the castle serves as offices for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, with exhibition spaces and conference rooms available for cultural programs. Visitors can explore these areas during exhibitions and educational events held here.

The castle contains the Torlonia Collection with archaeological finds from the draining of Lake Fucino, including carved stone pieces of great historical value. These artifacts tell the story of one of the largest engineering projects of its time when the lake was emptied to reclaim farmland.