Maschio Angioino (meaning “Angevin Keep”) is one of the most important symbols of Naples. Its name derives from the medieval Florentine word “mastio”, which indicated, in a structure with several towers, the largest and safest in case of war attacks. Its true name, that is “Castel Nuovo” (literally “New Castle”), comes however from the French and, in particular, from the words “Chastiau neuf” (literally “New Castle”). This name was, however, neglected in favor of the more characteristic and famous name “Maschio Angioino”.

The original structure of Castel Nuovo is now completely lost, due to the stratification of architectural elements that over the years have changed its features and turned it into the building we actually see today. The most ancient part, that has remained the same since the Medieval age – it should, indeed, date back to year 1307 – is the beautiful Palatine Chapel. Incorporated in the heart of the castle, the entrance to the Chapel stands in the courtyard, and is made of a marble Renaissance gate with a marvelous glazed rose window on top; the back wall of the Chapel, instead, overlooks the street that is now called via Marina. Restored in large part already in the fifteenth century due to severe damage suffered during the 1456 earthquake, the Palatine Chapel has a typical medieval structure with narrow gothic windows that illuminate the hall and what remains of its splendid masterpieces: in fact, a gorgeous cycle of frescoes used to embellish the place. Together with still visible paintings made by Florentine artist Maso di Banco, some documents vouch for the presence of great master Giotto’s works: Giotto was, indeed, a guest at the court of King Robert of Anjou around 1330, and during that period he painted stories of the Old and New Testaments that were placed in the Chapel. The painting cycle by Giotto and his workshop, rare evidence of frescoes of such high artistic value, was unfortunately already eliminated in the fifteenth century.

As said, our Maschio Angioino has undergone several and significant changes, starting from the epoch of the first Angevin dynasty’s successors. Alfonso the Magnanimous of Aragon conquered Naples in 1443 and decided to reorganize the whole structure, encircling it in new defensive walls and endowing it with the spectacular triumphal arch at the entrance, which is a very important work in the history of Italian art: built between 1453 and 1468, it was one of the first works to clearly show the passage from Gothic to modern style at the time.

New modifications to the castle’s structure were made at the beginning of the sixteenth century, when Castel Nuovo was equipped with new bastions and ditches which can still be seen today and run all around the building. The five towers, made in piperno rock (a magmatic rock) and tuff mark the entire trapezoidal perimeter of the castle.

Also worthy of mention is the Sala dei Baroni (the Barons’ Hall – where the Barons’ conspiracy against King Ferdinand I took place), where until 2006 the municipal council of Naples held its official meetings, which was commissioned as a throne room by Robert of Anjou, who also hired master Giotto for the decorative works.

It was Alfonso the Magnanimous who ordered the reconstruction of this room, which since then shows as an almost perfect cubic shape surmounted by an octagonal vault and many small windows, which were accessed thanks to another architectural masterpiece: the spiral staircase, still visible in the Beverello tower.

Nowadays Castel Nuovo still plays a very important role in the life of the city, being the building where most cultural, artistic, folkloristic and musical events take place today. Moreover, it is permanent seat of the Civic Museum of Naples, and for this reason it is still possible to visit many of its rooms. Maschio Angioino is undoubtedly one of the most interesting architectural beauties of Naples, fully embodying the spirit of its population, very tied to the sea, generous and welcoming towards the numerous people arriving in town from the cruises. But a warning has to be given to anyone coming to Naples by sea: conquering it is impossible!

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