Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale is a palace in Tagliacozzo with two floors displaying different building styles: the lower level shows late Gothic features, while the upper floor features Renaissance elements. The rooms are richly decorated and the structure reflects the wealth and authority of the families who ruled from here.

The origins of the palace date to the 14th century when the Orsini family built it as their seat of power in the region. Roberto Orsini expanded the structure in the 15th century by adding the upper floor, creating the building that stands today.

The palace displays coats of arms and a frescoed chapel inside that reflect the power of the families who ruled this area. The ornate loggias and rooms show how the nobility lived and demonstrated their status in daily life.

The building has undergone multiple renovations in recent decades and is accessible to visitors today in good condition. You should expect uneven floors and narrow staircases, which are typical features of a palace from this period.

After the 1915 earthquake, the palace took on an unexpected role when it became a temporary administrative center for the local church. For about nine years, the structure served purposes far beyond its original function as a family residence.