Rocca Abbaziale

[1] The abbey, built in the late 11th century, was designed as a castle to establish control over the surrounding town.

It was constructed with fortifications, prison cells, a watchtower, apartments and a chapel dedicated to St. Thomas.

In 1476, the castle was restored by cardinal Rodrigo Borgia who expanded the fortifications to defend the oldest part of the building.

In 1778, by order of Pope Pius VI, the architect Pietro Camporese further restored the castle, removing medieval elements like the prison cells and fortifications, and installing more modern features like a large clock.

The complex includes three distinct buildings, each designed in a different architectural style.