Castel Nuovo – The Symbol of Naples
Castel Nuovo construction started in 1279, at the orders of Charles I of Anjou.
Castel Nuovo
The castle is situated in the Gulf of Naples , Italy , where already existed Castel dell Ovo, a smaller fortification with a panoramic view over the shore, and a more retreat Castel Capuano. Thus, the name of Castel Nuovo (The New Castle) for the third castle built by the Anjou dynasty.It is the main symbol of the architecture of the city Naples .
Castel Nuovo - Naples, Italy
Castel Nuovo - Naples, Italy
History
Castel Nuovo has been expanded or renovated several times since construction . Aflons of Aragon integrated the white marble arch in the black walls of his fortification, between two towers in fear of it being destroyed during a siege. The arch that celebrates the conquest of Naples by Alfonso of Aragon, is mainly the work of Guillem Sagrera and Pietro da Milano. Its sculptures, presenting the king entering the city and rich decorations create a bridge between the mature Romanesque style and the humanist Renaissance that was rediscovering the Antiquity through archeology at the time, reevaluating it.
The castle, with its five impressive cylindrical towers, is designed on a trapezoidal plan facing onto a beautiful central courtyard. From here you can gain access to the most famous chamber in the castle, the Sala dei Baroni (Barons’ Hall), now used by the town council.
Castel Nuovo at night , Napoli
The fortified castle was the scene of some dramatic events. Constantly under siege by pirates and army canons, was conquered a couple of times by the Hungarian kings, who used Naples as the seat of their emergent little empire. As the royal family was in a close relation with the papacy, it was in Castel Nuovo that a pope resigned, dedicating himself to a secluded life. A plot by local nobility also ended here when the barons were invited for a pretended wedding, only to be locked in a room, and some of them killed. The room is now known as the Hall of the Barons. But some peaceful things also took place here, as the castle was a welcoming home for the artists of the Humanist era and of the Renaissance. Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio were among the famous guests, while Giotto painted some frescoes here.
Castel Nuovo- Naples, italy
Castel Nuovo- Naples, italy
Castel Nuovo , a peaceful Museum
Castel Nuono is now a museum in Naples . The Palatine Chapel inside is one of the few remains of the original fortress during the time of Charles I of Anjou. In the somber rooms with stone walls paintings can be admired now. The oldest painting of this museum dates from the 15 century, representing the Madonna with Child, surrounded by saints. Among the most important paintings are “The Crucifixion”, by Battistello Caracciolo, together with other works by Finoglio Paul, Pacecco De Rosa, Bernardo Cavallino, Luca Giordano, Mattia Preti, Paolo De Matteis, together with sculptures by Vicenzo Gemito.
Castel Nuovo interior
The Hall of the Barons is the most spectacular architectural element of this building. The high room, now used as city council, has an amazing ceiling with ribbed vaults and decorated wheel windows as sources of light, typical elements for Gothic style.
Inside the museum, only the decorated bronze gate with a canon ball stuck in it remembers the turbulent history of this castle .
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Category: Naples
