Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in Naples
Naples is a city of architectural layers and great beauty. With enough palaces and castles to keep you busy for days, everyone from history buffs to imaginative children will enjoy exploring the historic buildings of Naples.
Start with the stately royal palaces for a glimpse into Naples' regal past. The Palazzo Reale on the waterfront is an excellent place to start. Then visit the Palazzo Realo di Capodimonte Museum, which was originally built as a palace for the Bourbon King Charles III. Today it is home to the Capodimonte Museum and one of the finest art collections in Italy.
Naples has four castles, the oldest being the Castel Capuano built in the 12th century. However, the most distinctive castles in Naples sit on the waterfront. The Castel dell'Ovo is near the picturesque Santa Lucia area, while the impressive Castel Nuovo is situated near the Palazzo Reale. High above the city in Vomero, the Castel Sant'Elmo keeps guard over Naples just as it has for centuries.
Located near the grand Piazza Plebiscito, the Galleria Umberto I is a grand example of 19th-century architecture. This shopping arcade is covered with an elaborate glass and iron dome, similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Just across the busy Piazza Trieste e Trento is the rather simple façade of the Teatro San Carlo. Don't let the exterior deter you, because inside is one of Europe's most beautiful opera houses, and the oldest in Italy.
Start with the stately royal palaces for a glimpse into Naples' regal past. The Palazzo Reale on the waterfront is an excellent place to start. Then visit the Palazzo Realo di Capodimonte Museum, which was originally built as a palace for the Bourbon King Charles III. Today it is home to the Capodimonte Museum and one of the finest art collections in Italy.
Naples has four castles, the oldest being the Castel Capuano built in the 12th century. However, the most distinctive castles in Naples sit on the waterfront. The Castel dell'Ovo is near the picturesque Santa Lucia area, while the impressive Castel Nuovo is situated near the Palazzo Reale. High above the city in Vomero, the Castel Sant'Elmo keeps guard over Naples just as it has for centuries.
Located near the grand Piazza Plebiscito, the Galleria Umberto I is a grand example of 19th-century architecture. This shopping arcade is covered with an elaborate glass and iron dome, similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Just across the busy Piazza Trieste e Trento is the rather simple façade of the Teatro San Carlo. Don't let the exterior deter you, because inside is one of Europe's most beautiful opera houses, and the oldest in Italy.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
Piazza Municipio 64
Historic Castle situated on the Bay of Naples...
Capodimonte Museum
Via Miano 1
Palazzo Capodimonte, also through the park from Via Capodimonte
One of Italy's Top Art Collections...
Castel Capuano
Via Concezio Muzy
Via Concezio Muzy, off Via dei Tribunali
Oldest castle in Naples...
Palazzo Pignatelli di Monteleone
53 Calata Trinità Maggiore
18th-century Palace in centro storico...
