Castel Nuovo

An imposing fortress dominating the Bay only steps from the shore, this castle was created by the French architect Pierre d'Angicourt in the 13th century for the new king, Carlo I d'Angió. The first king of the Angevin dynasty, he wanted a more suitable residence than Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Capuano -- both used by previous sovereigns. Started in 1279 and finished in 1282, Castel Nuovo was enlarged in the 15th century by Alfonso I d'Aragona, first king of the Aragonese dynasty. The castle has five towers: del Beverello (overlooking the harbor), di San Giorgio, di Mezzo, di Guardia, and dell'Oro (note its tufa stone structure) -- and a facade (facing inland) graced by the grandiose Triumphal Arch of Alfonso I of Aragona, a splendid example of early Renaissance architecture.

Across from the entrance in the courtyard and up a 15th-century staircase is the magnificent Sala dei Baroni, an architectural masterpiece. The monumental room is an enormous cube, 27m (89 ft.) wide and 28m (92 ft.) high, with a star-shaped vaulted ceiling originally decorated by Giotto in the 14th century. (His frescoes and most of the sculptures were lost in a fire in 1919.)

Today the castle houses the Museo Civico (Civic Museum), holding a rich collection of artworks from the castle itself and other important monuments in Naples. Part of the museum's exhibit is inside the Cappella Palatina [S], the only surviving part of the Angevin castle. The chapel's facade opens onto the courtyard and is graced with a beautiful 15th-century carved portal and a rose window. Built in 1307, the chapel was completely decorated by Giotto, but only a few fragments remain. Inside you'll see a fine selection of 14th- and 15th-century sculptures, including a Tabernacle by Domenico Gagini (a pupil of Donatello and Brunelleschi), depicting a Madonna with Child, and two Madonna with Child sculptures by Francesco Laurana -- one from the portal of this chapel and the second from a nearby church. In the vestibule on the second floor, you'll find a bronze door with a cannonball hole: It is the original 15th-century door of the castle, which was taken as war booty by the French in 1496 and later returned. In the other rooms, you'll find a collection of 16th- and 17th-century paintings, including works by Luca Giordano and Francesco Solimena. On the third floor is an interesting collection of paintings dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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