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Castle of Julius II - Ostia Antica
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The castle of Julius II was built in 1483 by the architect Baccio Pontelli at the request of Giuliano delle Rovere, at that time bishop of Ostia.
As the result of an intensive study of ballistics, the work included widening the moat. The existing tower of Martin V was incorporated within the outer walls, which were built of very solid brick so as to be less vulnerable to enemy attack.
The Fortress was used by the bishop himself as a stately summer residence, in preference to the nearby bishop's residence at the church of Sant'Aurea. This moved Baccio Pontelli to embellish the structure with pleasing architectural features.
The castle's decline began in 1556 with the Spanish siege by the Duca d'Alba and when the Tiber burst its banks and radically altered its course.
Today the Piazza della Rocca is used for interesting cultural events, especially during the summer.
CASTLE OF JULIUS II: Ostia Antica - Piazza della Rocca, 16
info: 0656358024
website: visit the site
Opening hours:
Tues-Sun 9.00-13.00
Tuesdays and Thursdays also 14.30 - 16.30
Closed on Mondays
Admission: free
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