The Castle of Julius II, in the heart of the Borgo di Ostia Antica, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance military architecture in Lazio. The complex is characterised by three towers connected by casemates (gun chambers), a defensive ravelin and a wide moat that surrounded the entire structure. During the 16th century, the castle was besieged by the Duke of Alba (1556) and flooded by the Tiber (1557), events that marked its decline along with the formation of malarial marshes that led to the abandonment of the village. The Ostia Antica Archaeological Park is creating a new museum of the Ostia area inside the castle, dedicated to the history of Ostia from the 6th century AD to the 20th century, restoring the monument to its role as the center of the village's identity and culture.
It was built in 1483 by the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli on commission from Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere , the future Pope Julius II (1503-1513).
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Opening days
From Tuesday to Sunday and Monday, April 21, 2025
September 27, 2025
On the occasion of GEP 2025, the site will be open in the evening from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm (last admission 10:30 pm), with a symbolic fee of €1.00 (free admission according to regulations). -
Opening times
From September 20th to October 31st: 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm (last admission 7:00 pm)
from November 1st to February 28th (29th): 10.30am-4.30pm (last admission 4pm)
From March 1st to June 15th: 10.30am-7.30pm (last admission 7pm)
From June 16th to October 31st: 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm (last admission 7:00 pm)September 23 and 24, 2023
10.30am-5.45pm with last entry at 5.15pmDecember 25th, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
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Closing
Monday, excluding April 21, 2025
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Extra Opening times
April 21, 2025
Special evening openings at the Castle of Julius II
September 6-13-20, October 4-11-18-25, November 1-8-15-22-29, December 6-13-20-27, 2025
From 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM (last admission at 10:30 PM) -
Servizi
- Teaching
- Visits
Where
Piazza della Rocca, 13, 00119 Ostia Antica RM, Italia
