Orsini palace is located in the historic center on the highest part of the town of Licenza, and was born from the transformation of the original castle. The history of the castles in this area begins with the fall of the Roman Empire and the birth of the imperial abbey of Farfa. The abbey built its own defense system on every hill from which it controlled the territory.
With the end of the dispute between the papacy and the empire, lost by the latter, the power of the abbey ceased and Licenza, like other fortresses, passed under the control of the papal state. License was assigned in the thirteenth century to the lordship of the Orsini family.
The monumental keep, the oldest nucleus, can be recognized, the facade of which has been graced with windows and various Renaissance openings.
The current appearance dates back to the seventeenth century when Roberto and Mario Orsini, bishop of Tivoli, had numerous extension works carried out and decorated the interior with frescoes by the painter Vincenzo Manenti.
We recognize the ancient courtyard of the castle transformed into a Renaissance square of particular beauty which today is one of the social points of the town.
Today Palazzo Orsini is partly owned by the municipality and houses the Oraziano museum and a widespread hotel.
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