Palazzo di Bonifacio VIII

Palazzo di Bonifacio VIII in Anagni is a medieval papal residence associated with the 1303 assault known as the Schiaffo di Anagni. Its rooms preserve frescoes, including the Sala delle Oche and Sala delle Scacchiere.

Why it matters

The palace developed from a towered residence associated with Pope Innocent III and was enlarged under Gregory IX. It later became one of the principal properties of the Caetani family. In 1303, the conflict between Boniface VIII and Philip IV of France culminated in the assault on the pope at Anagni, an episode remembered as the Schiaffo.

What to notice

The Sala delle Oche and Sala delle Scacchiere preserve painted decoration whose bird and chessboard motifs give each room its name. The palace's medieval structure and frescoed interiors reflect its use as both a residence and a fortified seat of power.

Context and history

Gregory IX enlarged the palace in the early thirteenth century. He hosted Emperor Frederick II here in 1230; Innocent IV also resided in the building in 1254. In 1297 it passed to Boniface VIII's family, acquired by his nephew Pietro. After centuries in Caetani and other hands, the Cistercian Sisters of Charity acquired it in 1764. Since 1953 it has housed the collection assembled by Giuseppe Marchetti Longhi for the Istituto di Storia e di Arte del Lazio Meridionale.