The Orsini castle is located on the highest point of Roccagiovine and dominates its entire profile. Its history is very ancient and it is said that it was built near an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Vacuna.
Within its walls a Roman marble slab is visible which certifies the existence of the temple to the goddess Vacuna which had been restored by the emperor Vespasian originally from nearby Rieti. Another find, a bas-relief representing autumn, is clearly visible on one of the windows of the castle.
The first fortress then dates back to the Middle Ages, to the period in which people sought refuge in fortresses built on high ground. Initially the castle was in the possession of the monastery of San Cosimato in Vicovaro.
In 1315 the castle was bought by the Orsini family who started the branch of License and Roccagiovine. We also owe them the first statute of the village and the arrangement of the church of Saint Nicholas. Following a fortuitous event, the Orsinis also built the church of Santa Maria del Ronci and gave rise to the cult of the Madonna delle Grazie.
In 1655, to thank the end of the plague, a column was placed on the castle, also coming from the ancient Roman temple.
In the 18th century the castle was sold to the Portuguese family of Nunez Sanchez who transformed the fortress into a stately palace.
In 1821 the castle was bought by the Marquis del Gallo who are still its owners and is used for events and weddings.
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