The Borgia Castle (Rocca dei Borgia or Rocca di Nepi) is located near the edge of the historical center of Nepi. The castle is located at the exact spot where two streams (the Rio Puzzolo and the Rio Falisco) used to meet. Beneath the castle, remains of ancient city gates and even a Roman road have been found.
Borgia Castle Nepi
Useful information
Address: Via Porta Romana, 01036 Nepi. Phone: +39 0761 570604. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 11.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00. Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 till 13.00 and from 16.00 till 19.00 (15.00 to 18.00 from October till May. Closed: Mondays.
History and description
The present architecture of the Borgia Castle is the result of renovations in the 15th and 16th centuries. The ruins of castles that occupied the spot before were used as foundations.
The name of the castle comes from the Spanish Borgia family. It was Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, the later Pope Alexander VI, who in 1479 ordered the first modifications to be made to its construction.
Excavations in a basement of the castle unearthed cobblestone sections of a Roman road. Also to be seen here are three city gates dating from different eras. The oldest ruins found during the excavations date back to the 3rd century BC.
In the early 19th century the castle was destroyed by French troops, only to be rebuilt years later.
The castle itself is characterized by a central square surrounded by thick walls. At the corners are round towers, one of which is open to the public.
Most archaeological finds from the castle are on display in the Museo Civico of the city.