Investiture Hall

Also known as the Hall of Ascanius’s Exploits or Representation it celebrates the founding hero of the new family fortune. Sixteen fake tapestries on the walls retrace his political and military events. Among the most significant scenes is the Siege of Genoa, where Ascanius, as a young soldier, excels for his courage and prowess; The Duel with Giovanni Taddei beneath the walls of Pitigliano, in Grosetto Marema, which has remained in history for the famous “thrust” inflicted on his rival; the embarkation for Gaeta, towards which Ascanius flees informed of the not very benevolent intentions of Pope Paul IV towards him; the meeting with the king of Spain, Phillip II, who appoints him as member of the Flanders Council and head of the kingdom’s fortifications; and the Battle of Lepanto, his last great feat.

Each story was originally accompanied by captions, today difficult to read. In the vault, among the Virtues, the apotheosis of the hero is celebrated with the depiction of Ascanius receiving the staff of the guardian of the church from Julius III, a scene that recalls, for its setting and narrative model, that of Paolo Vitelli obtaining the command of the Florentine troops in Vitelli palace at Città di Castello, attribuited to the same Circignani. 
The Della Corgna coat of arms is stamped on the front of the 16th century fireplace and, together with the one of the Colonna family, can be seen in some parts of the floor, rebuilt in the 19th century on the original model.