The municipality of Castel Madama developed on the slopes of the Prenestini mountains between the 10th and 11th centuries around the original village, known as Castelluccio.
Originally called Castrum Sancti Angeli, Castel Madama enjoyed a flourishing economy for many centuries under the rule of the powerful Orsini, de’ Medici and Farnese families.
The castle was built in 1308 by the Orsini family. The castle gradually developed thanks to the modifications made by the various feudal families that succeeded one another in power. In the first half of the 16th century, Margaret of Austria transformed the building into the typical Renaissance palace-fortress.
The Palio in the first and second week of July is dedicated to Madama Margaret of Austria, after whom the village is named. During this event, the streets and alleyways of the four districts of Castel Madama return to their ancient Renaissance splendour with trades interpreted by figurants in period costume.
The public garden of the Collicelli is a panoramic point and link between the ancient and the more modern village.
The 1771 Church of San Michele Arcangelo is the largest in the village and is its most characteristic element. The church has a central Greek cross plan, with radial chapels and an imposing dome decorated with coffers. On the high altar, the painting by M. Hardtmunth from 1866 depicting St Michael Archangel, a copy of the more famous painting by Guido Reni, stands out.
The Sagra della Pera Spadona (Festival of the Spadona Pear) celebrates a local cultivar that bears fruit in summer. The festival has been held on the third Sunday in July since 1958. The Pera Spadona has obtained recognition as a typical Lazio product. A commemorative stamp featuring the Pera Spadona was issued.
It is said that the cultivation of the spadona pear in Castel Madama was born by chance. In the first half of the 19th century, a local farmer nicknamed ‘Stualetta’ grafted a common pear tree with a wild one. This tasty hybrid fruit became the symbolic agricultural product of Castel Madama. In honour of the pioneering farmer, the inhabitants of Castel Madama call the pera spadona ‘stuvaletta’ or ‘stualetta’ in dialect.