Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino) - Guide to Naples' Iconic Castle

Towering over the port of Naples, the Castel Nuovo (often called Maschio Angioino) is impossible to miss. It serves as the main hub (Stop #1) for all City Sightseeing lines, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure.

A Fortress of Kings

Built in 1279 by Charles I of Anjou, this castle has housed kings, popes, and artists (including Giotto and Petrarch). Its massive cylindrical towers give it a distinct, formidable look that separates it from other Italian castles.

The Triumphal Arch

Sandwiched between two dark stone towers is a stunning white marble arch. This is the Triumphal Arch of Alfonso of Aragon, built to celebrate his conquest of the city in 1443. It is considered one of the finest pieces of Renaissance art in Southern Italy.

Inside the Castle

Your ticket (often separate from the bus, though look for combos!) gets you access to several key areas:

1. The Palatine Chapel: The only surviving structure from the original 13th-century castle. Look closely for fragments of frescoes by Giotto.
2. The Hall of the Barons (Sala dei Baroni): The main throne room with a spectacular vaulted ceiling. It got its name from a bloody event in 1487 when the King invited conspiring barons for a "reconciliation" wedding feast, locked the doors, and had them arrested and executed.
3. The Civic Museum: Paintings, sculptures, and silver from Neapolitan history.
4. The Dungeons (Prison of the Barons): Legend has it that a giant crocodile used to enter through a breach in the walls and drag prisoners out to sea!

Practical Info for HoHo Riders

• Stop Location: Piazza Municipio (Stop #1).
• Time to Visit: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Nearby: The San Carlo Opera House and Galleria Umberto I are just across the street.

Photo Op: The best shot of the castle isn't from the front, but from the side near the gardens, or from the top deck of your bus as it pulls away!

Visiting Castel Nuovo gives you a crash course in Neapolitan history before you even explore the rest of the city.