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Barberini Castle (and the Garibaldian Trail) in Montelibretti: Medieval Fortress and Risorgimento Battlefield
Castello Barberini stands over the village of Montelibretti from atop a rocky spur, between the Via Salaria and Via Nomentana. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the Orsini family, it was passed on to the Barberini family in 1664, and later to the Colonna Sciarra family. Today it is privately owned, but its walls bear witness to eight centuries of history, including a decisive Risorgimento battle.
From Castrum to Baronial Palace
The compact structure, with cylindrical corner towers, betrays its defensive origins. In the 13th century, Matteo Rosso Orsini made it the centre of his domain in the Sabine territory. The castle likely incorporated the dwellings of the village itself. The Barberini family acquired and converted it into a residence, without erasing its military character.
13 October 1867: Garibaldini Against the Zouaves
Menotti Garibaldi had occupied the village in the early days of October. On the 13th, around five in the afternoon, 97 Papal Zouaves (an infantry battalion) commanded by Lieutenant Guillemin launched an attack from the Madonna del Passo side. The volunteers barricaded themselves in the castle and held out tenaciously. After little more than an hour they were on the verge of victory, but Menotti, fearing the arrival of enemy reinforcements, ordered a retreat. The Zouaves re-occupied the village that same night.
The Garibaldian Trail Through the Village
Commemorative plaques along the walls and on the main tower honour those who fell. A so-called Garibaldian trail winds its way through the lanes of the old town, leading to the monument dedicated to Garibaldi in the village square.
