Castel Capuano is, after Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples. Of Norman origin, it is located at the end of the current Via dei Tribunali and was the seat of the civil and criminal section of the court of Naples (today in the Directional Centre). It owes its name to the fact that it is found close to Porta Capuana, which opens onto the road that led to ancient Capua.
Its construction began in the mid-12th century at the behest of the King of Sicily William I known as Malo, son of Roger the Norman, and was completed in 1160 by the architect Buono.
Equipped with robust fortifications, Castel Capuano was immediately destined to function as the royal residence of the Norman sovereigns, despite the austerity of the environments and its natural vocation as a military garrison.
Excavations carried out in the 19th century showed that the castle was built on the area where the Gymnasium stood in Roman Naples, transformed in the following centuries into a cemetery, as proven by the numerous tombs found.
Castel Capuano is currently closed to the public but can be admired from the outside.
It has been the operational headquarters of the Scuola Superiore della Magistratura since May 15, 2023.
It's considered one of the most important historical landmarks in Naples and is a popular tourist destination.
If you are planning a visit to Naples, Castel Capuano is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Castel Capuano
Address: Piazza Enrico de Nicola, 74, 80139
Phone: 0165 - 22 37 262
Site:
http://www.fondazionecastelcapuano.it/Location inserted by
Bonometti Paola