Castel Nuovo

It was Charles d’Anjou (Charles I) who had the Castel Nuovo built in 1279, when he decided to transfer the capital of his Kingdom from Palermo to Naples. It is better known to the locals as Maschio Angioino (Angevin Keep) and was constructed by French architects Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d’Angicourt. Giotto of Florence created frescoes for this palace that have now been lost in antiquity.

In the war of succession between the Angevins and the Aragonese, the castle was damaged. At the behest of Alfonso V of Aragon (Alfonso I of Naples), called the Magnanimous, the castle was rebuilt by Guillermo Sagrera. It then acquired the name it is now known by, the Castel Nuovo or New Castle.

One of the most significant things about this renovation is the creation of the Triumphal Arch, one of the most important renaissance works in Naples. It is located between the middle tower (Torre di Mezzo) and the guard tower (Torre di Guardia). This marbleized archway commemorates the arrival in Naples of Alfonso I in 1443.

Visitors to Castel Nuovo are amazed by the complex structure of the arch. Double Corinthian columns flank the archway and there are relief works of Alfonso I with visiting dignitaries. These bas-reliefs are credited as works of Francesco Laurana. The columns also support an attic storey with sculptures of Alfonso I making his triumphant entrance into the city.

Above the attic is a second arch, this one between Ionic columns instead. Its attic is decorated with statues of the four cardinal virtues: Temperance, Strength, Justice and Magnanimity. Placed above the sculptures a tympanum semi-circular in shape bearing the allegorical representation of two rivers; above this is a statue of the Archangel Michael.

Castel Nuovo was a political and social hub in its time. Aside from being the seat of power for Charles d’Anjou and later Alfonso V, literary men such as Francesco Petrarch, said to be Father of Humanism, and Giovanni Boccaccio were known to visit here. This is also where the Pope Celestine V decided to abdicate.

The salon dei Baroni has a rather gruesome history. Ferrante I in 1485 was said to have disposed of a group of rebellious barons here. He invited them to a mock wedding. Then he poured boiling oil on their heads from the ceiling. Ironically, city council meetings are still held in this room.

Visitors to the castle enter using a drawbridge. A moat surrounds the castle, which used to be filled by sea water. In the olden days, it is said that prisoners were thrown into the moat, never to be heard from again. After many careful inspections, they found a hole through which a crocodile would enter and devour the helpless men. The crocodile was said to have been killed, stuffed and hung above one of the doorways until the mid 19th century.

Another story of interest to visitors would be the cannonball that is lodged in the bronze doors. It is said that the French soldiers fired as the doors were being shut in their battle against the Spanish. It has been imbedded since.

Castel Nuovo is home to the Neapolitan Society of Natural History. Founded in 1875, it contains roughly 170 thousand volumes, drawings, prints and manuscripts. The Museo Civico is also located here. Founded in 1990 and located in the St Barbara wing. The museum houses a collection of 14th century frescoes from the Castello di Casaluce, in the province of Caserta. There are also 15th century frescoes from the Neapolitan Church of the Annunziata.

The Castel Nuovo is an amazing structure and a very visible structure from years gone by. Many stories are waiting to be told to enthrall those who have a passion for the lost years. Its story is still unfolding.

Address: Piazza del Municipio, Naples, Italy
Phone Number: 081 795 58 77
Cost of Entry: €5
Opening Hours: 9.00am-7.00pm Mon-Sat