Planning a visit to the beautiful city of Naples? Discover our visit guide to Castel Nuovo, an emblematic monument of this beautiful Italian city!
Located in the aristocratic district of San Ferdinando, a stone’s throw from the port and the Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo is one of Naples’ historic landmarks. Built between 1279 and 1282, it has been extended and renovated several times since then, and was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou when the capital of the kingdom was transferred to Naples.
Imposing and surrounded by deep moats, it was inspired by the Château d’Angers. Unfortunately, it retains few aspects of the Angevin period, and is mostly the result of 15th-century Aragonese renovations. Nevertheless, Neapolitans still refer to it as the « Angevin Keep » or Maschio Angioino. Today, the monument is home to various Neapolitan and Italian organizations, including the Museo Civico. A visit to Castel Nuovo will allow you to discover and learn more about an important piece of Naples’ history.
So what will you see in this « Castello Nuovo », which replaces the Castel dell’Ovo as the royal residence of the kings of Sicily and Naples? From its amazing history to practical information, timetables and prices, we reveal everything you need to know to visit Castel Nuovo in Naples in the best possible conditions!
History of Castel Nuovo
Photo Credit: Flickr – Nuno Cardoso
In 1266, Charles 1st of Anjou – the last son of King Louis VIII of France – acceded to the throne of the Kingdom of Sicily, comprising the island and the southern part of Italy. Preferring Campania and the surrounding region to Sicily, Charles 1st transferred the kingdom’s capital from Palermo to Naples.
With Naples now the capital, Charles d’Anjou ordered the construction of a new castle to house his court. His main aim was to create a strategic area between the historic center of Naples and the sea, and to relocate the seat of power from the Castel dell’Ovo. The name Castel Nuovo (New Castle) was chosen to differentiate it from the two former royal residences, Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Capuano.
Designed by French architects Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d’Angincour, work began in 1279 and was completed in 1282, when the Kingdom lost its Sicilian part and became known only as the « Kingdom of Naples ». Due to the unrest in Sicily, the castle was not inhabited until the death of Charles 1st of Anjou in 1285. Charles 1st’s successors – notably Robert 1st – continued to enlarge and embellish the castle, notably with the construction of the Palatine Chapel, the only visible sign of the Angevin dynasty’s passing.
In the 1330s, the war between the Angevins and the Aragonese caused considerable damage to the castle, which was also besieged and damaged by the Hungarians. In 1442, the Kingdom of Naples passed into the hands of the Aragonese, who extensively restored and remodeled Castel Nuovo.
In the 15th century, Castel Nuovo became the largest fortified royal residence of its time. Alfonso V modernized the fortress to withstand the new artillery: the original square towers were replaced by circular ones. In addition to the military improvements, Alfonso had the castle embellished. The work was entrusted to Guillem Sagrera. His work included the magnificent Barons’ Hall, named after the arrest of the nobles who had plotted against Alfonso V of Aragon’s successor: his illegitimate son Ferrante, now Ferdinand I of Naples.
Decorated by Father Johan and Guillem Sagrera, the monumental triumphal arch at the entrance to the castle is King Alfonso’s most remarkable design. Its bas-relief celebrates the new sovereign’s triumphant entry into Naples. The work was carried out by famous artists of the time, including Milanese Pietro di Martino and Dalmatian Francesco Laurana.
With the demise of the Aragonese dynasty in the wake of the Italian Wars, the castle lost its status as a royal residence and became a fortress, albeit an important but less prestigious one. Altered several times, its current appearance was achieved when it was acquired and renovated by the Municipality of Naples at the end of the 19th century. Today, it houses various organizations, including the Museo Civico, which houses works inherited from the Commune, and the Società Napoletana di Storia Patria, which publishes and manages a library on the history of Naples and its province. Until 2006, the Sala dei Baroni also housed the headquarters of the Naples City Council.
What to see and do at Castel Nuovo in Naples
Photo Credit: Flickr – kaysgeog
Your visit to Castel Nuovo in Naples begins with a tour of the castle’s outer walls. You’ll be able to observe the parapet walk and the powerful crenellated towers of the period, with their steep bases, built in this way to make frontal assault almost impossible. These features date back to the Aragonese period. The deep moats surrounding the castle will convince you of the military might of this fortress.
After a short stroll around Castel Nuovo, you can linger in front of the remarkable triumphal arch of the city’s entrance gate. Built to celebrate Alfonso I, the first Aragonese king of Naples, it’s one of the city’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture. You’ll also notice that the large niche on the second floor is strangely empty. According to some experts, it was intended to house a sculpture of a horse, commissioned from the great Florentine sculptor Donatello but left unfinished. The head of the sculpture is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum.
Your visit continues in the inner courtyard. At the far end, a staircase leads up to the magnificent Barons’ Hall, with its beautiful vaulted ceiling decorated with a network of star-shaped ogives in the Spanish Gothic style. You can then step out onto a panoramic terrace, offering sublime views over the city and the bay.
Before leaving Castel Nuovo, you can also visit the Museo Civico. Paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries, as well as numerous sculptures and religious objects, await you.
How do I get to Castel Nuovo in Naples?
Castel Nuovo in Naples is located in Piazza Municipio. To visit it, go to the San Ferdinando district, Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy.
By public transport
The Municipio metro station is just a stone’s throw from Castel Nuovo. It is served by Naples ‘ main tourist metro line. So you’ll have no trouble reaching the castle from any other part of the historic center.
By car or cab
You can also reach the castle by car or cab. Spaces are scarce and you have to pay for them. There are, however, several guarded pay parking lots in the vicinity of the castle.
If you’re looking to rent a car locally, Rentalcars can help you find what you’re looking for.
Timetable & Prices Castel Nuovo Naples
Photo Credit: Flickr – CpaKmoi
SCHEDULES
You can visit Castel Nuovo in Naples every day from 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sundays.
RATES
- Full price ticket: €6
- The ticket office closes one hour before the end of tours. After this time, it is no longer possible to enter the building.
Good to know
– Peak visiting hours are from 10am to 12pm, Monday to Saturday. The château also records peak visitor numbers on Wednesdays.
– Allow at least an hour to visit Castel Nuovo.
– It would appear that the château tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or disabilities.
– The area around Castel Nuovo is full of monuments and places to discover after your visit: the Teatro San Carlo, the Royal Palace of Naples, the Giardini del Molosiglio, the charming palaces and churches of the Spanish Quarter.
– You can also walk to the Castel dell’Ovo for superb panoramic views of Naples and its bay. Like Castel Nuovo, this castle is an emblematic and historic monument of the Italian city.