Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli

Maschio Angioino is also known as Castel Nuovo and may be considered as one of the major symbols of Naples, located in front of the busy square Piazza Municipio. This magnificent Medieval-Renaissance Fortress boasts five cylindrical towers, three of which face the city of central Naples and two facing the sea offering breathtaking views.
Construction was ordered by Carlo d’Angiò in 1266 and began in 1279 following a base plan designed by the French architect Pierre de Chaule. The structure was then known as “Castrum Novum” to differentiate from the castles already present in Naples – Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Capuano. The current structure was created during Aragonese domination by the King Alfonso d’Aragona who arrived to Naples in 1443. The single-sided triumphal marble arch dominating the entrance between the two western towers was built in 1470 to commemorate his reign.
The complex includes the Civic Museum Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo situated on the first and second floors; the Chapels Cappella Palatina, Cappella di San Francesco di Paola and Cappella delle Anime del Purgatorio; the Halls Sala dei Baroni, Sala della Loggia and Sala dell’Armeria (Armoury); Prison vaults; Stairways; Dungeons; Frescoes; Paintings and Sculptures. Today the complex hosts various events and top temporary exhibitions programmed throughout the year together with a selection of thematic Guided Tours – really worth a visit!
Entrance to the Museum is currently allowed by reservation only with 7 turns of max. 30 visitors entering at 8.30 am, 10 am, 11.30 am 1 pm, 2.30 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm.

GETTING THERE:
BY BUS – Several Lines stop at Piazza Municipio or nearby Via Medina from the central Station of Piazza Garibaldi.
BY METRO – Line 1 Exit Municipio (situated on the right side of the castle)
The exhibition “Spiritus Mundi” displays over 50 sculptures created by two artists Hermann Josef Runggaldier and Mario Ciaramella within the suggestive Chapel of Maschio Angioino Cappella Palatina. Exhibition opening times – Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance is without charge. The exhibition is curated by Marco Izzolino and Carla Travierso, created and produced by Andrea Aragosa with Black Tarantella (www.blacktarantella.com) The Museum Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30 am to 7 pm with a ticket fee of € 6.

Source ©My Country magazine – July 2020 (page 12)