Medieval Castle of the Badia

If Vulci wasn’t magnificent enough, the archaeological park is located next to this beautiful medieval castle with a history compelling enough to deserve its own book!

Built on the remains of a 9th century fortress, the castle was restored during the 12th century by Cistercian monks and is connected to Vulci via the Devil’s Bridge, which crosses the Fiora river.

La struttura originaria del IX secolo era dedicata a San Mamiliano e distrutta dai Saraceni.

Its replacement in the 12th century could not have been in stark contrast to the ancient abbey and it was used as a refuge and hospital for pilgrims. The center was run by the mysterious and then heretical Knights Templar.

In the 16th century the castle was bought by Alessandro Farnese, known as Pope Paul III, who restored it to his liking. Farnese then left the fortress to the Papal State, which enhanced it due to the border it shared with the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Unfortunately when Napoleon Bonaparte arrived he took for himself everything of value in Tuscany including this castle, which remained in French hands until the Torlina family bought it back in 1859.

A striking and fitting companion to this ancient city, the castle now houses the National Museum of Vulci.