Orsini Palace

Palazzo Orsini is undoubtedly the most beautiful building in Pitigliano and one of the oldest, born as an ancient religious convent.

Brought in by the Aldobrandeschi in the 13th century, the convent was already 100-200 years old and was transformed into another Aldobrandeschi fortress.

The Aldobrandeschis made the building their home and the city their new capital, but their dominion was short-lived as the entire countryside passed to the Orsini in 1293, following the marriage of Romano Orsini and Anastasia Aldobrandeschi – last heir of that Aldobrandeschi branch.

From the 13th century onwards the Orsini worked to make this building one of the most beautiful in the region. Unlike the various Aldobrandeschi Fortresses scattered throughout the countryside, this palazzo was a house and was therefore suitably grand.

When the Orsinis lost power in the 17th century, the building was kept as it was and hasn’t been renovated since.

Today, the palace’s exterior features two tall towers surrounded by pristine plaster and tuff walls and large battlements.

Climbing the imposing stone ramp and passing the Monument to the Ursine Progeny, you arrive at a round arch portal which bears the coat of arms of the Orsini family.

The arch opens onto a splendid stone courtyard with Renaissance designs. In the corner is the Pozzo del Palazzo Orsini, a beautiful cream colored well built in the 15th century and carved with intricate floral designs.

The well originally brought water into the palace, but now, according to local legend, it brings good luck to anyone who touches it.

All around the courtyard is a terrace with thick stone columns. If you climb the short staircase, you will find an intricately carved wooden door opening into the only section of the palace open to tourists.

Inside are the Museo del Palazzo Orsini and the Museo Civico Archeologico della Civiltà Etrusca museums.

Palazzo Orsini possesses all the grandeur and magnificence one would expect from the home of a noble family. It has also maintained its historical integrity which makes it even more fascinating