1696
THE DUCHY OF BRACCIANO
The Duchy of Bracciano, once owned by the Orsini, was purchased in 1696 by Prince Livio I Odescalchi. Later it was administered by Prince Livio III, who rented the land to be used for farming and sheep-farming.
1887
DON BALDASSARRE
In 1887 Don Baldassarre inherited the duchy, and revolutionized the management of impoverished land from previous crops done in an inadequate way. The various areas were used for the cultivation of vineyards, olive groves, orchards, mulberries and to breed horses.
After 1887
ODESCALCHI STABLES
The Prince devoted himself to the breeding of breed horses suitable for both rich people and army officers. He then had the Odescalchi Stables built, and bought pure-blooded mares and stallions from the best breeders.
The administration of Prince Livio III
UNTIL 1887
When the administration of the duchy of Bracciano passed to Prince Livio III, he rented the land to use for agricultural activities and sheep-farming. The open quarters were sown to cereals by local farmers in the middle of the year and the other two quarters, as well as all free land, were rented for grazing and scythe. This type of cultivation impoverished the soil more and more. The stains were rented to speculators, who tried to make the most of the land without preserving it.Such were the conditions of the duchy when, in 1887, following the death of the Princess Mother, Sofia Branicka, the firstborn Don Baldassarre inherited it.
AFTER 1887
In 1887 Don Baldassarre inherited the duchy of Bracciano. From that moment on, the management of the land was revolutionized, aiming at its improvement. The areas were subdivided to be used for diversified crops and for horse breeding. This last activity was followed with great interest and passion by the Prince, aware that for some time in the Roman province was only breeding in the wild, so the horses were less and less and were not selected. The Prince devoted himself to the improvement of the equine race, to put on the market pure blood horses. To carry out his project, he paid no attention to expenses, so he had the Odescalchi Stables built and bought the best stallions and mares.
In the footsteps of the past
THE ODESCALCHI STABLES TODAY
The Odescalchi Princes, expressing their passion for nature, have continued to preserve this beautiful place by preserving it with care, respecting the balance between the various plants and the peculiarities that characterize each season.