The first documents referring to Castrum Brachiani date back to the twelfth century, but only with the advent of the powerful Orsini family this region became more influent. In fact, after several passages to various families, in 1419 the town was assigned by Pope Martin V to the Orsini brothers who in 1470 began the construction of the monumental castle, which is still the pride of the city. The town was also defended through fortifications and towers, still visible in some places as “La Sentinella” and behind the church of Santa Maria Novella. Over the years the Orsini family hosted illustrious men of the time making of the Bracciano Castle a real Court. At the end of the seventeenth century the castle passed to the Odescalchi family who was able to reassess the historical and artistic heritage in an admirable way.