That Castle in Naples

The Massive Castel Nuovo in Napoli, Italy Endures and Impresses

 

The castle in Naples has existed since the 1200s. This is how it looked in 1989. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

These walls were built to intimidate: A portion of the castle in Naples in 1989. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

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.

The castle in Naples, Italy, pictured here in 1989, seems to be more of a fortress. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

The castle in Naples, Italy, pictured here in 1989, seems to be more of a fortress. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

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.

Naples, Italy: Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino today. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino today. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

Contemporary meshes with medieval at the castle in Naples, Italy known as the Castel Nuovo. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

Contemporary meshes with medieval at the castle in Naples, Italy known as the Castel Nuovo. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

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

~Advertisement~

Stars, Stripes and Savings! Save up to $18 on flights & hotels with promo code USA18. Book Now!

~Advertisement~

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

~Advertisement~

RushMyPassport.com_Mexico

~Advertisement~

Where is the Castel Nuovo?

 

~Advertisement~

Yoga-Wheel Banner

~Advertisement~

Where is your favorite castle?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.