That Castle in Naples

The Massive Castel Nuovo in Napoli, Italy Endures and Impresses

 

Heading south from Rome 29 years ago, my first stop is Naples where I cannot help but notice a certain domineering building on the waterfront: the Castel Nuovo, which seems an impenetrable fortress against any enemy that might arrive, in any way, and not so much a castle in Naples meant for princesses.

Construction of the castle in Naples began back in 1279 during the time of Charles I of Anjou and then there was a bit of turnover in possession as the Aragonese took over the city, and then later the Habsburgs did, and still later the Bourbons came along, as did the Bonapartes.

The castle in Naples’ complicated history reminds visitors that Italy did not become a nation until 1861; the area was, instead, a region of city-states.

Heading south from Rome more recently, I find Napoli still in a bit of upheaval and under construction, or, rather, refurbishment. The castle in Naples, though, looks much the same.

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli

—Lori Tripoli

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Heading to Naples, Italy? You might like these posts:

• Dust, Chariots, Spas, Pompeii
• An Italian Itinerary
• The Mystery of Volcanoes

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Where is the Castel Nuovo?

 

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Where is your favorite castle?