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Castello Ruspoli

Vignanello, Rome

Castello Ruspoli

A medieval castle in northern Lazio, home to one of the most important and best-preserved Renaissance gardens in Europe, created in 1611 — a short ride from Rome with capacity for up to 350 guests.

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Overview

About Castello Ruspoli

Castello Ruspoli stands on a cliff in Vignanello, northern Lazio, its first stones laid as a defensive fortress in 847 AD. Through centuries of papal patronage, noble marriages, and careful stewardship, it has become one of the most remarkable private castles in Italy — still owned and preserved by the Ruspoli family today. The Renaissance garden, created in 1611 by Ottavia Orsini and considered one of the finest of its kind in Europe, forms the centrepiece of the estate's event spaces, accommodating up to 350 guests beneath centuries-old boxwood parterres and laurel hedges. The Noble Floor, Terrace, Hall Entrance, and Marescotta Park complete a collection of spaces that can be configured for every moment of a wedding day — from aperitivo to dinner to celebrations that run until 4am.

Max Guests

350

Exclusive Use

Yes

Highlights

Key Features

  • Medieval Castle First Built in 847 AD
  • One of Europe's Most Important Renaissance Gardens (1611)
  • Historical Gardens — Up to 350 Guests
  • Noble Floor — Up to 154 Guests Indoors
  • Short Ride from Rome
  • Catholic Ceremonies in the Church of Santa Maria
  • Symbolic & Non-Catholic Ceremonies in the Castle Park
  • Fireworks Permitted
  • Flag Wavers & Guided Castle Tours Available
  • Private Parking On-Site
  • Still Owned by the Ruspoli Family
  • Tuscia Region — Greatest Concentration of Historic Gardens in the World
  • Handel Composed Here (1706–1709)

Heritage

A Living Monument to Italian History

The first traces of Castello Ruspoli date to 847 AD, when a defensive fortress was built on the cliff where the castle stands today. Under Pope Leo IV it was converted into a Benedictine monastery, used as such until 1081. From around 1169 it became the subject of a long-standing dispute between the Church and the Aldobrandini, Orsini, and Borgia families — a contest that continued until the 16th century.

Exclusive Use

The Exclusive Experience

The venue hire at Castello Ruspoli provides exclusive access to the Noble Floor, Historical Gardens, Terrace, Hall Entrance, Marescotta Park, and Private Parking. The castle works exclusively with a curated network of trusted suppliers who meet its standards.

What's Included

  • Noble Floor
  • Historical Gardens
  • Terrace
  • Hall Entrance
  • Marescotta Park
  • Private Parking

Spaces

Event Spaces & Capacities

Event Space Cocktail Seated Dinner Buffet Ceremony

Historical Gardens

One of Europe's most important and best-preserved Renaissance gardens, created in 1611 by Ottavia Orsini. The parterre features 12 geometric boxwood sections divided by four avenues, a central fountain basin, and hedges of laurel, box, myrtle, and viburnum. Recommended for dinner and ceremonies, accommodating up to 350 guests in a setting of extraordinary historical significance.

350 350 350 350

Noble Floor

The castle's principal indoor event space, accommodating up to 154 guests. The Noble Floor offers historic interiors befitting a private Renaissance castle, providing an exceptional indoor option for dinners, receptions, or inclement weather.

154 154 154 154

Terrace

Recommended for the aperitivo and for after-dinner celebrations. The Terrace provides an elevated vantage point over the estate and surrounding Tuscia landscape, ideal for drinks receptions and late-night entertainment.

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Marescotta Park

The castle's park, also used for non-Catholic and symbolic ceremonies. A naturally beautiful outdoor space within the private grounds of the estate, offering an alternative ceremony setting surrounded by historic landscape.

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Hall Entrance

The grand entrance hall of Castello Ruspoli, available as part of the event space configuration.

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Location

Getting Here

Address

Vignanello, Province of Viterbo, Northern Lazio, Italy

Travel Times

Rome
approx. 80 km / 1h by car
Viterbo
approx. 25 km / 30 min
Orvieto
approx. 40 km / 45 min
Rome Fiumicino Airport
approx. 100 km / 1h 15 min
Rome Ciampino Airport
approx. 85 km / 1h
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Nearby Experiences

We're still mapping the best local spots around Castello Ruspoli. Check back soon or ask your planner for personalised recommendations.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum capacity at Castello Ruspoli?

The Historical Gardens accommodate up to 350 guests. The Noble Floor (indoor) accommodates up to 154 guests.

What ceremony options are available?

Catholic ceremonies are held in the Church of Santa Maria, located in front of the castle across the square. Non-Catholic and symbolic ceremonies are held in the Marescotta Park within the castle grounds.

Where is Castello Ruspoli?

The castle is located in Vignanello, in the province of Viterbo, northern Lazio — a short drive from Rome (approximately 1 hour) and 45 minutes from Orvieto. The area, known as Tuscia, borders Tuscany and Umbria and has the greatest concentration of historic gardens in the world.

What is the history of Castello Ruspoli?

The castle dates to 847 AD. It was converted into a Benedictine monastery under Pope Leo IV, before passing through the Farnese, Marescotti, and ultimately Ruspoli families. The Renaissance garden was created in 1611 by Ottavia Orsini. The composer Handel was appointed chapel master here by Prince Francesco Maria Ruspoli from 1706 to 1709, composing over 50 cantatas during his tenure. The castle remains a private residence of the Ruspoli family today.

Are fireworks permitted?

Yes, fireworks are permitted at Castello Ruspoli.

What additional experiences are available?

Guided castle tours, flag wavers, and fireworks displays can all be arranged as part of your event.

Is there on-site accommodation?

Castello Ruspoli does not offer on-site guest accommodation. The nearest town of Vignanello and the city of Viterbo (approximately 30 minutes) offer accommodation options for guests.

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