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Palazzo Caetani in Fondi: the palace where the Western Schism began
Along the ancient via Appia (Appian Way), in the heart of Fondi, stands Palazzo Caetani Fondi. This is no ordinary building - it is a place steeped in history that today houses the Centro Culturale Ambientale Polivalente (multipurpose environmental and cultural centre). Its walls bear witness to a history of Norman counts, popes, and an event that shook the whole of Christendom: the Western Schism.
The conclave that split Christendom
Here, visitors can relive the tension of that 20th of September 1378. Count Onorato I Caetani gathered together the French cardinals, who were dissatisfied with the election of Pope Urban VI. Within these very halls, they made a drastic decision: to elect their own pope, Clement VII. And so, from a provincial palace, began a rupture that divided Europe for nearly forty years.
From fortress to Renaissance court
Yet the palace is far more than this. A century later, the Count’s grandson Onorato II transformed it into a magnificent Renaissance residence. To him we owe the elegant Catalan-style mullioned windows - double-arched windows adorned with stone carvings that resemble fine embroidery. Later, Giulia Gonzaga turned it into one of the most refined courts in the area between Rome and Naples, frequented by artists and men of letters. Today its halls host major cultural events, concerts and artistic workshops.
Practical information
Opening hours and tickets: The palace houses the Centro Culturale Ambientale Polivalente. It is advisable to check opening times and admission fees on the official website of the Municipality of Fondi, as these may be subject to change.
Getting there: The palace is located in the historic centre of Fondi and is easily reachable on foot.
