History

La Posta Vecchia’s favoured location has been attracting distinguished visitors since Ancient Roman times. The original villa was built by Prince Orsini in 1640 on top of the remains of an ancient Roman city called Alsium.

The Orsini family, who owned the Castle next door, needed a place for visiting friends to stay but it quickly became a place for other travellers making their way by horse along the Aurelia road into the city.

In 1693, the Orsini family sold their property (Palo Castle and La Posta Vecchia) to Livio Odescalchi another aristocratic family. La Posta Vecchia maintained its function as a traveller’s lodge until a major fire almost destroyed it in 1918.
In 1960 it was bought by J. Paul Getty, who restored it to its original splendour, adding furniture, objects and artwork acquired from royal homes from around the world.

During the restoration, the ruins of a large Roman villa were uncovered which now form the core of the small archaeological museum in the hotel’s basement. The present owner bought the Villa from the American industrialist and re-converted it in 1992 back to its original function of refined and exquisite hospitality.

Complete with every modern comfort, security system and amenity, this 17th century jewel is one of the most prestigious hotels in Italy.