DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Castel Nuovo, Naples

Castel Nuovo, Naples

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The Castel Nuovo is more commonly known locally as the Maschio Angioino , a name that clearly dates the fortress’s origins to the reign of Charles I of Anjou in the late 13th century. It was officially called the “New Castle” to distinguish it from existing ones, namely the Ovo and the Capuano. During the reign of Robert of Anjou, the place became an important cultural centre, attracting such greats as Petrarch, Boccaccio and Giotto for productive sojourns. It was the Spanish conquerors from Aragon, however, who, in the 15th century, gave it is present-day militaristic look as well as Renaissance embellishments. Currently the castle houses Naples’ Civic Museum and administrative offices.

Top 10 Features

1. Architecture

1. Architecture

In the 15th century five cylindrical towers were added, as was a Catalan courtyard and the Hall of the Barons.
2. Triumphal Arch

Inspired by ancient Roman antecedents, the arch was built in 1443 to celebrate King Alfonso V of Aragon and features sculpted bas-reliefs.
3. Sala dei Baroni

3. Sala dei Baroni

In 1486 Ferrante I of Aragon invited barons who were plotting against him to a ball here, whereupon he had them all executed. Today the hall is notable for its splendid vaults.
4. Cappella Palatina

4. Cappella Palatina

The castle’s main chapel is the only remaining part of the original Angevin palace. It houses frescoes from the 14th to 16th centuries, as well as a fine Renaissance sculpted tabernacle.
5. Museo Civico

On the first floor of the Civic Museum are paintings and sculptures, including a 16th-century Adoration of the Magi in which the Wise Men are portraits of kings Ferrante I and Alfonso II, and Emperor Charles V. Also here are 15th-century bronze doors, depicting royal victories over rebellious barons.
6. Paintings of Naples

The second floor of the museum focuses on Neapolitan works of a secular nature from the 18th to 20th centuries. Delightful sculptures include scugnizzi (street urchins), especially the famous Fisherboy by Vincenzo Gemito.
7. Dungeons

Legend has it that prisoners would regularly disappear from these dungeons without a trace, and the cause was discovered to be a huge crocodile that would grab their legs through a drain hole and drag them away. True or not, the hole now has a grating over it.
8. Inner Courtyard

8. Inner Courtyard

This harmonious space has typically Catalan features, such as the “depressed” arches – broader and flatter than Italian types – and an external grand staircase.
9. Excavations

In the left corner of the courtyard visitors can view archaeological excavations through a glass floor. Macabre surprises include skeletons of monks from an early convent on the site.
10. Views

One of the best aspects of a visit to the castle is taking in the magnificent views from its upper walls and terraces. Panoramas include Mount Vesuvius and, on a clear day, even the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Practical Information

A good choice for a meal, inside nearby Galleria Umberto I, is Caffè Roma, where you’ll find a tempting array of freshly made local dishes. If sections of the castle are closed, enquire at the information office located in the courtyard and someone may be kind enough to let you in for a look. Piazza Municipio 081 795 58 77 or 081 420 12 41 Open Jun–Mar: 9am–7pm Mon–Sat (daily Apr–May) Adm €5.16