Palazzo Caetani, Renaissance palace in Cisterna di Latina, Italy
Palazzo Caetani is a Renaissance palace in Cisterna di Latina featuring two towers and an internal courtyard paved with cobblestones, with an ancient fortress tower integrated into its irregular layout. The building now houses the municipal library, an art gallery, the Museum of Butteri and Horses, and several exhibition spaces.
Duke Bonifacio Caetani commissioned architect Francesco da Volterra to build the palace between 1560 and 1574 on the remains of the Frangipane fortress. The construction blended elements from the existing fortification with new Renaissance features.
The Zuccari Hall displays frescoes showing landscapes from the Caetani family estates, including views of Sermoneta, Norma, Ninfa, and Circeo along with scenes depicting the Pontine marshes.
The palace is open daily and easily accessible from the city center, with clear pathways and good signage throughout. Visitors should explore both interior rooms and outdoor areas to fully appreciate the architecture and rotating exhibitions.
Beneath the palace lies an extensive network of underground caves and tunnels that provided shelter to approximately 4,000 people during World War II. These hidden chambers reveal how civilians sought protection in the building during the war years.
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