Ducal Castle Orsini, Medieval fortress in Fiano Romano, Italy.

Ducal Castle Orsini is a fortified residence in Fiano Romano with a rectangular plan and two defensive towers, including one circular tower with substantial walls. The building houses multiple decorated rooms dating from different historical periods.

Construction of the Rocca di Fiano Romano began in 1489 on the orders of Niccolò III Orsini, count of Pitigliano, Sovana and Nola, on a pre-existing medieval settlement. Work probably ended in 1493, the year carved on a fireplace in the Sala del Melograno. The Orsini wing faces Porta Capena, the village gate, with a Renaissance round arch in rusticated stone. The title of ducal castle came only in the 17th century, when Fiano passed to the Sforza and Pope Paul V made it a duchy in 1608.

The name "ducal" dates only from the 17th century: in 1608 Pope Paul V raised Fiano to a duchy for Sforzino Sforza, son of Cardinal Francesco Sforza. Inside, the Sala della Guardia, where Pope Alexander VI granted indulgences on 19 December 1493, is now used for conferences and weddings.

The castle is located on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in central Fiano Romano and is easy to find. Visitors should contact local cultural associations in advance to arrange a tour.

A stone plaque on the wall commemorates a visit from an influential guest in the 15th century, showing the importance this place held for powerful families. This small marker is easy to overlook but tells an important story about the castle's role.