The Marquis Onofrio Del Grillo
An eccentric Nobleman Between Rome and Fabriano
Onofrio del Grillo, a nobleman from Fabriano born in 1714, held important positions in Papal Rome, including Pontifical Sediary and Noble Guard. A graduate in ecclesiastical and civil law, he served as head of the Capitoline Chamber under Pope Pius VI and was responsible for public order during papal interregnums. Known for his eccentric personality, he squandered vast inheritances and became famous for his extravagant behavior.
Belonging to the Del Grillo family, ennobled in 1672 by Clement X, Onofrio inherited the title of Marquis of Santa Cristina and the family palace in Rome. The family, deeply rooted in Fabriano, had connections with the city's most prominent noble houses.
In Fabriano, Onofrio played a key role in several initiatives, including managing the Hospital of the Sick and constructing his lavish villa, renowned for its grandeur and secret passages. His legacy is also tied to numerous pranks and tricks, passed down through tradition and popularized by cinema, such as the infamous episode of bricking up his guests' houses after a banquet. He died in 1787.
