Castel Nuovo, that is, the new castle built on the border of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, is one of the most important attractions and symbol of Naples. They called it “new” because it stood out against the background of the old buildings. Known under another name - “Angevin Castle” (Maschio Angioino): in honor of the King of Sicily and Naples Charles I of Anjou, by order which it was built between 1279 and 1282, when he decided to move the capital of the kingdom from Palermo to Naples, and for his luxurious life other buildings in Naples were not enough. It should also be said that he was not lucky enough to live there because of the “Sicilian Vespers” (this was a war when the Sicilians rebelled against the French in 1282). Only his son Charles II was able to settle here in 1288.
The castle was reconstructed several times. The last reconstruction was carried out in 1823, and at the beginning of the XX century it was recognized as a historical monument.
During its existence, the royal residence witnessed many political events, for example, the consecration of Boniface VIII to the rank of Pope. Withstood two sieges of the Hungarian king Lajos the Great. In 1805 it was captured by a Russian squadron. In this castle, the opponents of King FerdinandI were preparing an insidious conspiracy of the barons, which ended in the execution of its participants. Later, Castel Nuovo was occupied twice by the rebel Neapolitans. The forces of nature were unable to damage the fortress: the earthquake of 1456 destroyed almost all of Naples, and Castel Nuovo was not damaged at all.
Castel Nuovo fortress attracts the visitor's attention, first of all, with its architecture. The foundation of the building in the Gothic style has a trapezoidal shape. Here and there in the arch and in other corners of the building there are 5 round towers 55 meters high, and on the main facade you can see three towers: St. George, the middle one and the watchtower. Between the middle and watchtowers there is a triumphal arch, which was built during the reign of King Alfonso V of Aragon in 1470 during the next strengthening of the fortress. It is a striking example of the Renaissance, and the bas-reliefs and statues depict the king's triumphal entry into Naples.
For centuries, Castel Nuovo was not only a royal residence, but also a cultural center. Giotto, Petrarch and Boccaccio worked here. Currently, the building houses a museum and the largest library of the National Historical Society of Naples. Cultural events, performances and concerts are often held here.
On the ground floor of the museum there are collections of paintings, sculptures and church relics from the XV-XVIII centuries. Worthy of special mention are the works of the Neapolitan Baroque and Venetian masters of the 15th century, the crucifix of the 16th century made of rock crystal and silver, as well as the holy relics of St. Barbarians.
On the second floor there are collections of paintings from the XVIII-XX centuries, selected by topic: historical events, landscapes, views of Naples, female portraits, etc.
Among the halls and exhibitions of the museum, of interest are the Palatine Chapel, the Armory, the Hall of the Barons, the Purgatorio Chapel, the Chapel of San Francesco di Paola, underground dungeons, bronze doors from the 15th century are of interest. historical bas-reliefs, Tower of Beverello, Hall of Charles V, Hall of the Della Loggia, examples of archaeological excavations and panoramic terraces.
Castel Nuovo address: Piazza Municipio. Next to it are the Royal Palace and Plebiscite Square.
To get there, you can take bus №N1, N3, R2, stop Piazza Municipio ; №151, 154, stop Acton-Molo Beverello; Metro line 1, stop Municipio.
The museum is open every day except Sunday - 08:30-18:30.
Ticket cost 6 euros, admission is free for youth under 18.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.comune.napoli.it/maschioangioino.
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