Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world, with a history dating back to 2000 BC! Many kingdoms ruled Naples, including the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, Spanish, and finally the group that identified themselves as Neapolitans. It is one of the largest historic old cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All this history ensured that naples palace Protected the city! In fact, it had a very high density of palaces and was also known as the City of Palaces.
7 stunning naples castles
If you’re wondering how many palaces there are in Naples, the answer is seven! Here is a list of Naples palaces, some of which are well preserved, and some with an interesting history.
1. New Palace
Castle Nuovo Naples is one of the most famous castles in Italy and is located in the city center, right in front of the City Hall. Of course, the City Hall did not exist when it was constructed in 1282, but the structure you see today was built in 1479. Locals also call it Mascio Angioino, after Charles I of Anjou who ordered its construction after taking it. Seizing the throne of Sicily and moving the capital from Palermo to Sicily. The palace itself is built in an irregular trapezoidal shape and has four towers and a grand white-marble triumphal arch at the entrance.
What to see: The Hall of Barons is the largest hall in the castle and was named after a horrific event that almost sounds like the plot of Games of Thrones! In 1487, King Ferdinand I of Naples invited the barons of the area under the pretext of celebrating the death of his nephew. But instead, he arrested them and ordered them to be executed! Other interesting places are the Armory Hall, the Palatine Chapel and the basement section which includes the Crocodile Pit and the Prison of the Barons.
Place: Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Naples NA, Italy
Time: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am to 7 pm
entrance fees: €6
2. Castle Sant’Elmo
High on a hill overlooking the city of Naples is Castle Sant’Elmo, one of the best preserved castles in Naples Italy. The palace was originally built in 1329 by Roberto d’Anzio. However, the palace that stands today was built in 1537. The unique star-shaped building underwent several restorations and developments during the time it was used as a military base, prison and government office. The sandstone building is in the shape of a six-pointed star and offers a spectacular view of the city from below.
What to see: Today the palace is home to the Novecento Museum, which houses art collections and cultural programs from both current and past Neapolitan artists. Visit the city of Naples to understand its culture and history. The Ambulacra is the area of the palace where famous prisoners of the palace were kept, while the piazza d’Armi is the area where the army served and includes various areas for food storage, warehouses, kitchens, furnaces, water tanks and sleeping areas. There are rooms. Soldier.
Place: Via Tito Angelini, 22, 80129 Naples NA, Italy
Time: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
entrance fees: €6
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3. Castell dell’Ovo
Castle dell’Ovo is one of the oldest castles in Naples and its history dates back to the 6th century when Greek kings ruled the area. It was known as Megaride Island but is now accessible via a bridge from the main road. The palace structure is a formidable one, although there is a unique myth associated with its name. It is said that during the construction of the castle a magician named Virgil hid an egg in the foundation. He predicted that as long as the egg was safe, the castle and the city of Naples would be safe!
What to see: The castle has a beautiful exterior and is located on the beautiful Caracciolo beach, and looks spectacular at sunset. Inside the palace, several halls are often used for events, conferences and even weddings. When shows aren’t running, you can wander through the rooms and check them out. The best feature of the palace is its terrace from where you can have a spectacular view of the sea and the city of Naples.
Place: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Naples NA, Italy
Time: 9 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: Free
4. Castell Capuano
Despite being one of the oldest palaces in the city, Castell Capuano does not look like other Naples palaces. The palace resembles an ancient building with an intricate and beautiful facade. It was built in the 12th century, shortly after the construction of the Castle dell’Ovo and was named after the gate at the end of the road that led to the city of Capua. The palace was later used as the Hall of Justice, then known as the Vicaria, and prisoners were kept in its basement.
What to see: Castle Capuano is still in use by the government today. Normally it is off-limits to the public, although you can visit it on open days such as the monuments in May. Otherwise, you can enjoy the façade and go to the back where you can see the Fontana del Formiello, which was once a public fountain with water spouts, but now you can only see the structure.
Place: Piazza Enrico de Nicola, 74, 80139 Naples NA, Italy
Time: 9 am to 6:30 pm
entrance fees: Free
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5. Carmine Castle
Castello del Carmine or Carmine is one of those Naples palaces that has remained only in the history books. It was built in 1382 by Charles III of Durazzo to protect the city from both sea and land. It was for defense purposes only and did not have Italy’s traditional architecture of palaces with turrets, towers and façades. It was a simple structure consisting of two towers and a place to shelter the soldiers. It played an important role in the history of the city and continued to be renovated until 1700, when it was an important site during the Neapolitan rebellion.
What to see: Despite its importance in the history of Naples, Carmine Castle lost the battle of time and evolution! Main parts of the palace were demolished to create the road of Corso Garibaldi. Today you will find the remains of the fort, its two towers and a part of the walls. You can walk through the area, take photos and see the ancient walls for yourself.
Place: on corse garibaldi
entrance fees: Free
6. Palace of Nisida
Nisida is one of the small volcanic islands off the coast of Naples and within it lies one of the most interesting palaces of Naples. Nisida Castle was initially constructed in the 14th century during the reign of the Angevins, but was renovated in the 16th century to provide protection against pirates, which were common at the time. The island is connected to mainland Naples by a stone bridge. In 1626, the castle was converted into a hospital to care for plague victims and keep them there until they recovered. From a hospital, the place turned into a prison which housed many high profile prisoners.
What to see: Nisida Castle’s use as a prison continued when in 1934 it was converted into a juvenile prison, one of the first such prisons in Italy. Today it is still used as a prison, and there are no other buildings on the island. Tourists can go up to the stone bridge and enjoy the views but cannot enter the island or the prison.
Place: Nisida Island
entrance fees: visitors are not allowed
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7. Grifio Castle
If you are looking for a castle to stay in Naples Italy, you are most likely to stumble upon this castle in Naples. It is known by two names – Esselmare Castle or Grifio Castle and is located in the city of Naples. It is a unique palace because unlike other Naples palaces, it has no history! The castle was built by an architect named Lamont Young, who designed it based on English Gothic architecture and incorporated Elizabethan and Tudor influences. It looked like something straight out of an English novel rather than the historic Italian city of Naples!
What to see: The palace is still a heritage building as it was constructed in 1902 and is made entirely of Vesuvian stone and the interior is made of wood. It feels like an authentic palace, and while the original idea was to build a hotel, it was sold to Carlo Asselmayer, a wealthy banker who made it his home. But luck does not last forever, and the castle was divided into units and sold. Today, it is one of the rare palaces to stay in in Naples Italy, and you can book a room at one of the palace’s many B&Bs and homestays. The views from the top of the tower are incredible!
Place: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 165, 80121 Naples NA, Italy
TripAdvisor Reviews: 5/5
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Are you familiar with the history of these Naples palaces? They look straight out of an English novel rather than a small Italian town, don’t they? They have become one of the landmarks of Naples over the last few hundred years. Make sure you include them in your Italy trip. Call us and book an exciting and
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