Do you want to know one of the most symbolic places in Naples? Then schedule your visit to the Castle of Maschio Angioino, a fortress that was also home to kings. Read on to find out the history of its construction, and what you can find inside.
The Maschio Angioino Castle is a medieval palace, whose construction began in 1279 during the reign of Charles I of Anjou. At the time, it received the name of Castel Nuovo to distinguish it from the previous fortifications. This beautiful castle that juts out into the port, played the role of both a royal residence and a fortress, thanks to its strategic position.
During the reign of Robert of Anjou, the castle became a cultural center frequented by doctors and artists. But after the Angevins, the Aragonese ascended the throne with Alfonso I who, like his predecessors, established his royal residence in Castel Nuovo.
Today, traces of its original Gothic architecture are hard to see. This is because most of the Castle of Maschio Angioino dates back to the 15th century, when a series of renovations were carried out.
Originally, this was in the form of an irregular quadrangle, with four defense towers, high walls with battlements and narrow openings. Only the basic structure remains of that building, with a moat that surrounds it and a wide access portal with a drawbridge.
Finally, in 1920 restoration and valorization work was carried out on this beautiful historical monument of Naples, which today opens its doors so that you can walk through its corridors, its patio and more rooms of the Castel Nuovo.
Currently, the Castle of Maschio Angioino is the seat of the Civic Museum of Naples and the venue for numerous events and exhibitions. On the tour of the museum you will come across the Armory Room, the Palatine Chapel and the Sala dei Baroni.
The visit of the museum begins in the Palatine Chapel. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, and it is painted with frescoes that represent the stories of the Old and New Testaments. In addition, on the wall at the end of the sacristy, the two Madonnas with the Child by Francesco Laurana, one of the most important exponents of 15th-century Neapolitan sculpture, stand out.
Continuing with the tour, the Sala dei Baroni is the most famous in the castle and gets its name because in 1486, the barons who participated in the conspiracy against Ferrante I of Aragon were arrested there.
Under this room, the Armory Room is located, from which important archaeological remains from Roman times were recovered. Later, it was used as a necropolis. In fact, fifty graves and a modest funerary equipment were found.
The Castel Nuovo is located in the center of Naples, near the port. To get there, you can take the metro or a bus, as there are stops from Piazza Municipio near the castle.
Note that there are great views from the center of the castle over the Bay of Naples and the city center, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
© 2021 All rights reserved TRIP AIM
Made in ❤ TripAim
