From Castel Nuovo to Maschio Angioino

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, is a medieval castle that was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou in 1266. He won over the Swabians and became King of Sicily, but he also moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli.

Since the XIII century, Maschio Angioino, with its five towers, represents one of the symbols of Napoli, thanks to its strategic position in Piazza Municipio, near the harbor area.

The history of Maschio Angioino

The fortress was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou, who moved the capital of the Reign of Sicily from Palermo to Napoli.

A royal residence

The new castle (as the name Castel Nuovo) was built in order to guard the city against enemies. The position is very strategic and it completed the defense system with Castel dell'Ovo (too old for the attacks of that time), and Castel Capuano (in a less strategic position as it was far from the sea). Since there were already two preexisting castles, it was called Castel Nuovo (new castle).

The construction

The construction of the castle was commissioned to Pierre de Chaulnes, who directed the works from 1279 to 1284 when it was completed. It was a record, as the castle was very big and the techniques weren't that advanced.

The aspect of the castle is very different from the one the old Neapolitan were used to. Nowadays, it is a stratification of different historical periods.

Furthermore, the fortress was home to many important people and royals: after Charles I's death, Charles II lived there; also, it was where Pope Celestine V abdicated and where Pope Boniface VIII was elected in 1294.

The original aspect was kept only by the Palatine Chapel, which was built in 1307 and absorbed by the castle.

The first Renewal

Then, there was a first renewal of the castle in 1307 with Roberto il Saggio, who hosted important figures such as Petrarca and Boccaccio. He also called the best painters, such as Pietro Cavallini and Montano d'Arezzo. Giotto painted the Palatine Chapel too, even though its frescoes were then canceled.

Since 1343, Giovanna I of Anjou lived there, until 1347 when she was forced to flee to France. Louis I, King of Hungary assaulted Napoli seeking revenge for his brother, who was Giovanna's husband. He suspected that Giovanna killed her husband, so when he found the castle empty he sacked it.

The castle's decadence

Then, the castle changed landlords many times until 1443 when Alfonso of Aragon conquered Napoli and renewed the castle. Later, it was sacked by Charles VIII of France. Then, it fell under the Spanish Kingdom and the Kingdom of Napoli became a viceroyalty. Since that moment, Castel Nuovo became just a military base, losing its function as a royal palace. So, the castle started its decadence, as the new owners wanted to eliminate every trace of the previous dynasties.

Lastly, at the beginning of the XVI century, the castle was renewed with new towers and an arch, as well as a moat. These new elements are all visible nowadays. Finally, it was renewed the last time in 1823 with Ferdinand I.

Nowadays the castle hosts events and spectacles, as well as the Museo Civico.

What to visit in Maschio Angioino

Triumphal Arch

The triumphal arch, marking the entrance of the castle, was built between 1453 and 1468. The work is inspired by Roman triumphal arches, and it is decorated with the triumphs of Alfonso. The two arches are decorated with columns, and on the top, there are statues of the 4 virtues.

In addition to that, the arch represents an important step in the Italian history of art as it paves the way to modern art.

Palatine Chapel

The Palatine Chapel is inside the perimeter of the fortress built by the Anjou dynasty. The construction started in 1307, and it kept the original aspect during the 7 centuries.

Also, the structure was partially renewed at the end of the XV century, because of a strong earthquake in 1456. The interiors are in gothic style, with beautiful windows illuminating the rooms and the artworks. The visible artworks have been attributed to the Florentine painter Maso di Banco. Many other works of art are present in the chapel, such as "Il Tabernacolo con la Madonna e il Bambino" (the tabernacle with the Madonna and the child) by Domenico Gagini, apprentice of Donatello and Brunelleschi.

In the XV century, instead, the frescoes by Giotto regarding the old and new testaments were destroyed.

Sala dell'Armeria

It is an important room, located on the left of the Palatine Chapel, and it hosted the weapons arsenal of the castle. The beauty of this room is due to the Roman artifacts, which go from the I century b.C. to the V A.D..

Sala dei Baroni

The Sala dei Baroni is the main room of the castle. Also called Sala Maior, it was born as the throne room under the will of Roberto of Anjou, who even called Giotto to paint the walls (which have been lost). Then, the room was renovated by Alfonso of Aragon, after he also commissioned a renovation of the castle.

An important event gave the name to the room. Some barons, who were conjuring against King Ferrante I, were arrested and condemned to death after their invite. The room faces the room and it has a beautiful dome with pointed arches.

This room also hosts the marble portal made by Domenico Gagini, with some bas-reliefs of Alfonso V of Aragon. Furthermore, until 2006 the room has hosted the assemblies of the city council of Napoli.

Cappella delle Anime del Purgatorio

The original structure is the fourteenth-century Chapel of St. Martin of Tours. Subsequently, the castle was modified in the XVI century under the will of the Spanish viceroy.

The interiors are in Baroque style, as the major altar is decorated with a painting of Madonna del Carmine with St. Sebastian, Pope Gregory I, and the souls of purgatory.

Chapel of St. Francesco da Paola

The chapel brings the name of the Saint from Calabria because he stayed there during his trip to Paris. It was consecrated in 1668 after a restyle in Baroque art.

The fifteenth-century dome was designed by Guillerm Segreram, but it was destroyed during World War II.

The dungeon and the legend of the crocodile

In Napoli, every legend is history and Castel Nuovo has a famous one.
Under the Palatine Chapel, there are two rooms which at the time were used as prisons: the one of "Miglio" and the one of "Baroni".

The dungeon of Miglio was initially used for storing wheat, but it was then transformed into a dungeon. Since then, mysterious events started to happen.
Prisoners used to disappear in mysterious circumstances. Later, they discovered the truth about the events: a big crocodile was coming into the prison and taking the prisoners with it.

According to the legend, in order to eliminate some difficult prisoners, a hole in the floor was made. It linked the castle and the sea so that prisoners could easily be thrown into the crocodile's mouth.

Furthermore, the second room, called "prigione dei Baroni", is directly linked to the Palatine Chapel with a spiral staircase. It takes this name due to the conspiracy of the Barons in the Throne room.
Maybe, the 4 anonymous coffins kept in the prison belonged to four of those nobles: after the conspiracy, they stayed in that dark room forever and ever.

In addition to stories and legends, Castel Nuovo is a wonderful symbol of Napoli.
The events that happened in this noble place made it an indelible part of Neapolitan history. It was home to Kings and Queens, but also to conspiracies and a crocodile executioner.

Information about Maschio Angioino

Opening hours

Monday - Saturday
9:00 - 19:00
Ticket office closes one hour earlier on Sundays.

Often, the visit is free for the courtyard, the Palatine Chapel, the Sala dei Baroni, Sala dell'Armeria and Sala della Loggia.
Museo Civico needs a ticket. It usually closes at 14, but on Sundays hours and tickets may be variable. Check on the website of the city of Napoli.

Prices

Full price: 6€
Reduced with Artecard: 3€
Free for EU citizens under 18

Address

Via Vittorio Emanuele III
80133, Napoli

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