Castel Nuovo Castle

Castel Nuovo is a castle in Naples, which was built on the idea of Karl of Anjou. The castle was to become his residence in the Kingdom of Naples.

Construction began in 1279 and lasted three years. The work was led by French architect Pierre de Chaulle. The castle immediately became the political center of the Kingdom of Naples. During the reign of King Robert the Wise, the castle was expanded and fortified. It also became a center of art. 1347 is a tragic page in the history of the fortress. King Lajos I of Hungary destroyed and burned the castle. Restoration work began in the castle on the orders of Queen Giovanna I, but the castle took its modern appearance under King Alfonso V, who seized power in the Kingdom of Naples. With him, the entrance to the castle began to decorate the triumphal arch by sculptor Francesco Loiran.

In 1823, the castle underwent its last reconstruction, which turned it into an artillery arsenal. At the beginning of the XX century, the castle was recognized as a historical monument, which served as the beginning of restoration work, which was to bring it to its original appearance.

It is interesting to note that the City Council of Naples met in the Hall of Barons until 2006. The fortress is now a museum.