Castel Nuovo

Naples, Italy

The building of the Castel Nuovo began in 1279 under the reign of Charles I of Anjou, on the basis of a plan by the French architect Pierre de Chaule. The strategic position of the new castle gave it the characteristics not only of a royal residence, but also those of a fortress. From the very beginning it was called Castrum Novum to distinguish it from the older castles dell'Ovo and Capuano.

During the reign of Robert of Anjou the castle became a centre of culture giving hospitality to artists, doctors and men of letters among whom were Giotto, Petrarch and Boccaccio. The Anjevins were succeeded by the Aragonese Alfonso I who, like his predecessors, used the Castel Nuovo as the royal residence, beginning work of reconstruction and having built, on the outside walls, between the Torre di Mezzo (Halfway Tower) and the Torre di Guardia (Watch Tower) the impressive Triumphal Arch to celebrate his victorious entry into the city of Naples.

The time of the Aragonese saw the passage from the medieval castle-palace to the fortress as it now appears; it was adapted to the new needs of a time of war and the area surrounding the Castle lost the residential character it had under the Anjevins. The structure of the Aragonese building is undoubtedly more massive than its Anjevin predecessor and was quite similar to the present-day castle, which is the result of the clearance works of the early years of the 20th century.

At the end of the 15th century, the French succeeded to the Aragonese, though they did not remain for long as they were succeeded in turn by the Spanish viceroys and the Austrians. During the viceroy period (1503-1734), the defence structures of the castle, needed for purely military purposes, underwent further modification. With the advent of Charles III of Bourbon, who defeated the emperor Charles VI in 1734, the castle was surrounded by buildings of all kinds, warehouses and houses, and this happened time and time again. 

In the first two decades of the 20th century, the Municipal Council began the work of isolating the castle from the annexed buildings in recognition of the historical and monumental importance of the fortress and the need to reclaim the piazza in front of it. The castle is today the venue of cultural events and also houses the Municipal Museum. 

A tour of the museum takes us from the Armoury Hall, the Palatine or Saint Barbara Chapel, the first and second levels of the southern courtyard and the Charles V Hall and the Sala della Loggia which are to host exhibitions and cultural events.

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Founded: 1279
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

James Eisenlohr (44 days ago)
Awesome looking castle from the outside! Unfortunately, there isn't much to see on the inside. The highlight of the inside is going up to the roof where there is a wonderful view of the city. We found it to be confusing where to go and even where we could go because there were very few signs and very few people around to ask.
Matúš Komarňanský (2 months ago)
Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Naples, Italy. Located near the city’s port, this medieval castle has a long and rich history, making it a symbol of Naples’ cultural and architectural heritage. Here’s an overview of its key features and history: History • Construction: Castel Nuovo was built in 1279-1282 by Charles I of Anjou after he moved the capital of his kingdom from Palermo to Naples. The castle’s strategic location near the sea made it a crucial defense and administrative center. • Architectural Evolution: Initially constructed in a French Gothic style, it underwent significant renovations during the reign of King Alfonso V of Aragon in the 15th century. Alfonso added the Triumphal Arch at the main entrance, a magnificent Renaissance feature celebrating his victorious entry into Naples in 1443. • Political Center: Throughout its history, the castle served as the royal residence for several dynasties, including the Angevins, Aragonese, and Spanish rulers. It was also the site of important events, such as papal visits and political assemblies. • Modern Era: Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction and home to the Civic Museum of Naples, showcasing art, sculptures, and historical artifacts. Architecture • Triumphal Arch: This white marble archway, nestled between the castle’s imposing towers, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. It features intricate carvings and sculptures, including scenes from Alfonso’s life. • Towers: The castle has five large cylindrical towers, each named (e.g., Torre di Guardia, Torre di Mezzo). These were part of the defensive structure, made of volcanic tuff and limestone. • Chapel of Santa Barbara: The castle contains a small chapel adorned with medieval frescoes and religious artifacts. • Courtyard: Visitors can explore the large inner courtyard, which contains remnants of the original Anjou architecture and views of later renovations. Key Features 1. Location: Close to the Port of Naples and Piazza Municipio, offering panoramic views of the sea and the Gulf of Naples. 2. Cultural Significance: Castel Nuovo symbolizes the power struggles and cultural exchanges between the Angevins, Aragonese, and Spanish rulers. 3. Museo Civico: The museum inside displays a variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, and historical documents from the medieval to modern periods. Visiting Information • Hours: Typically open daily, though times may vary depending on the season. • Tickets: Admission includes access to the museum and guided tours of the historical sections. Castel Nuovo is a must-visit destination for its blend of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, as well as its role in Naples’ history.
Aurelia Ghenuche (2 months ago)
Iconic castle of Naples with nice views over the gulf and the city. Don't expect to see much inside, though. They will direct you to 5 main spots, the panoramic view, the prison (I didn't understand what was there to see, I only saw some old ruins underneath a glass floor), a painting exhibition (quite nice but small), a temporary exhibition (at the time of my visit it was about communism in Cuba), and a hall where they still organise events (conferences etc). The towers cannot be visited, the castle's facade is beautiful, but overall it's quite underwhelming.
LJ M (4 months ago)
We enjoyed exploring ourselves without a guide. Lots of rooms to walk through, translations are available if required. The view of the port is beautiful, especially on a sunny day. Staff at the entrance pleasant, toilets located ground level . Nice experience
Stephen Archer (4 months ago)
Its a nice Castle with huge potential with the views from it, but access is limited and even this is poorly signed. Staff didn't seem very helpful. Museum was OK but many paintings are in serious need of restoration and some are so dark you cant actually see any details at all.
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