Boncompagni Ludovisi Castle

3 Minutes of reading

Perched on a limestone spur overlooking the vast valley crossed by the Paglia River, the Castle of Trevinano is located in a scenic hilltop position at the border with Umbria and Val d’Orcia.

The origins of the castle probably date back to the Etruscan era, as shown by some artifacts found in the area. Its strategic location along the ancient Via Francigena, a key pilgrimage route between the 9th and 10th centuries, established its key role. The first documented mention of Trevinano goes back to 1073, when a donation deed for the Abbey of Monte Amiata was drawn up.

In the mid-12th century, a period characterized by frequent clashes between the people of Acquapendente and Orvieto, a pivotal moment for the castle occurred in 1187. Following a peace treaty between Acquapendente and Orvieto, Trevinano was granted to the Viscounts of Campiglia, descendants of the Aldobrandeschi family, who controlled vast areas of Alto Lazio and the Maremma. The Viscounts ruled Trevinano for over three centuries, strengthening its defensive structures and repelling attacks, including a Sienese siege in 1234.

In 1327, when Latina Visconti married Corrado Monaldeschi, the castle came under the control of the Monaldeschi family of Orvieto, who undertook significant renovations in a Renaissance-style, transforming it into their noble residence. The Monaldeschi della Cervara family held Trevinano for over two centuries until 1592, when half of the stronghold was confiscated by Pope Clement VIII and assigned to the Apostolic Chamber.
The remaining portion was transferred in 1598 to the Bishop of Orvieto, Cardinal Simoncelli, while the last part remained under the Monaldeschi family until the mid-17th century. During this time, the castle withstood other sieges, such as the one by Odoardo Farnese’s troops in 1643, which was dismissed thanks to the women of the village.
By 1643, the castle had already been transformed into a palace with two fortified corner towers, which are still visible today. The imposing structure retains the Monaldeschi della Cervara coat of arms above its portal, a reminder of their ownership from 1327 to 1592.

In 1687, the territory of Trevinano was reunified. The Apostolic Chamber purchased Simoncelli’s portion and gave the entire stronghold on lease to the Bourbon del Monte, a noble family of French origin. They implemented agricultural improvements, conducted extensive deforestation and built numerous farmhouses.
During the Middle Ages, the village endured the same fate as the various feudal lords who ruled it. The Bourbon del Monte family governed the stronghold for over two centuries until 1910, when the last heir, Stephanie, married Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi, creating the current lineage of ownership. This family made the castle more comfortable and enriched it with elegant decorations and furnishings, including noble coats of arms of the families who had owned it.
Today, the Castle of Trevinano is a massive quadrangular structure with sturdy towers, surrounded by a village enclosed by 14th-century walls. Its imposing size dominates the entire surrounding valley. Inside, magnificent frescoed halls and period furnishings testify to the glorious past of this historic fortress, contested over the centuries by noble families and surviving the upheaval of its history.