The Lady of Giulio II Castle: Isabella and the farmlands of Rome

In the late 15th century, among the fertile lands surrounding Giulio II Castle in Ostia Antica, one woman’s presence was both commanding and enigmatic: Isabella Riario. Tasked with managing the vast farmland that sustained Rome with its grain, fruits, and vegetables, Isabella’s influence stretched far beyond the castle walls.

Born into a respected but lesser noble family, Isabella was a woman of sharp intellect and unwavering discipline. Her role as overseer of the estate was unusual for the time, yet Cardinal Giuliano Della Rovere, the future Pope Giulio II, placed immense trust in her abilities. Some whispered that his interest in her was not purely professional, though no one dared to voice such suspicions openly.

Each day, Isabella rose before dawn to oversee the workers tending the fields, walking the farmland to inspect the wheat, orchards, and vegetable gardens. She managed the storage and shipment of produce to Rome, ensuring that the city’s markets and noble tables remained well-stocked. By midday, she met with the estate’s administrators in the great hall of Giulio II Castle, reviewing ledgers and planning for the next harvest. Evenings often brought visitors, merchants, local landowners, and even envoys from Rome, all aware that Isabella’s word carried the weight of the powerful cardinal’s favor.

Though her lineage was Riario, not Della Rovere, the rumors of her closeness to Giulio II persisted. Was she a distant relative? A trusted confidante? Or something more? No one knew for sure, but one truth remained undeniable: Isabella Riario was a woman who commanded both land and respect, shaping the prosperity of Rome one harvest at a time.

You might discover more about the tale of Isabella by booking our: “Ostia Antica walking tour“