The Palazzo del Seminario is a historical building in the square of the same name in Tivoli. Another point of interest in this street is a medieval towerhouse (casatorre). During the Giubileo of 2025, it is being used as a hotel for pilgrims visiting Rome.
A brief history of the Palazzo del Seminario in Tivoli
The 17th century Palazzo del Seminario was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio Roma, who was bishop of Tivoli from 1634 till 1652. During his time in office, he also ordered a renovation of the cathedral of the city.
To make construction possible, an ancient church dedicated to St. Paul needed to be destroyed. The name of the church lives on in the name (San Paolo) of the district where the palazzo is located.
In ancient Roman times, the Senate used to occupy this spot.
The building functioned as seat of the Seminario Vescovile until 1949. After World War II, it was also used to house orphans. Later it became the seat of the Libera Università Igino Giordani. There is also a small chapel dedicated to San Filippo Neri in the building.
Via del Seminario
The building takes up an entire block between the Via del Seminario, the Vicolo del Seminario and the Via Teobaldi. Since this is originally a medieval district, these streets are all lined with old buildings. One of the main attractions is a casatorre in the Via del Seminario, 15. The building on n. 31 has a beautiful entrance.
Casa-Torre
The Casa-torre in the Via del Seminario dates back to the 13th or 14th century. As is usually the case with tower houses, it started its existence as a defensive building, and was later transformed into a residence. The many decorations indicate that the tower used to be owned by a wealthy family. The ground floor of the building is currently being used as a warehouse.
Via del Semiario
Sources
- Tibursuperbum website for the casastorre.
- Luoghi di Tivoli website for the Palazzo del Seminario.
- Photos are my yown, unless otherwise indicated.