Do you know that there are five castles in Naples? Let’s find out together!

Ovo Castle

A characteristic feature of the city’s waterfront landscape, it has preserved its original appearance in part.

Its name (“ovo” means “egg“) comes from a legend: Virgil, the great Latin poet, buried a magical egg in the castle’s dungeons, capable of keeping the entire structure standing.

Beyond the charm of its history, it has a very important role in the history of the city: above all, it welcomed the last emperor of the Roman Empire – Romulus Augustolo.

Its imposing appearance has always been the subject of the attentions of the kings of the Neapolitan dynasties, until it becomes a symbol of our city in modern times.

The setting sun on the castle will give poetry to your walks on the wonderful seaside promenade of Naples!

Castelnuovo – Maschio Angioino

In the center of Naples, stands imposing and majestic the Castelnuovo, known as Maschio Angioino.

It is universally the symbol of our city, as well as enclosing many traces of Neapolitan history – both ancient and recent.

Charles I Angevin project was to makethe city monumental. He then promoted the creation of his royal residence, austere on the outside and very rich inside: it was exactly the mirror of the medieval court.

In 1442, when Alfonso of Aragon entered the city, everything was transformed into a Renaissance key: the most striking change was the installation of the Triumphal Arch, between the two towers of the entrance.

While during the Spanish Viceroyal period, Castelnuovo was relegated to mere military fortress, in modern times it has a very important cultural role: in addition to hosting the civic museum of the city, it is also the seat of the Neapolitan Society of Fatherland History and the Committee for the History of the Italian Resurgence.

St. Elmo Castle

Founded in medieval times, it hosted King Robert d’Angiò and his court: it was equipped with a palatine chapel named after St. Erasmus, then contracted the Hermo and finally Elmo – hence its name.

It was, however, during the Vicereign of Don Pedro of Toledo that Castel Sant’Elmo lived a new and spectacular appearance: from above, it is clearly visible its refined star plant, which makes it also the largest fortress in the whole city.

In the centuries to come, its use was merely military; only in 1982 it was included among the sites of historical and cultural interest of Naples: since then it is used as a museum of contemporary art and is a very important cultural center.

Its location has always been its strength: in the past, perfect for war sightings; today, it gives everyone the most beautiful view of the entire city.

 

Capuano Castle

Castel Capuano takes its name from the nearby Capuana Gate, which opened to the road leading to the ancient Capua.

Its appearance has always been austere and solemn, as well as showing up majestically in an area of Naples with narrow streets, small houses and shops.

Its  role as the Kings’ seat changed just after the construction of Castel Nuovo – Maschio Angioino: it was intended to host the Palace of Justice.

The Viceroy Don Pedro da Toledo brought together all the local courts scattered throughout the territory in a single building: he made all the elements typically military disappear, to allocate the halls to the administration of justice and the underground to the prisons.

Some rooms, such as the Chamber of Summary, still manage to tell the great prestige of the Neapolitan forensic class.

For all The Neapolitans it is the “Old Tribunal”, a reference point that has renamed the ancient Decumano Major: Via dei Tribunali.

Aselmeyer Castle

It is the “youngest” castle in all of Naples: it was designed in the early 1900s by the Anglo-Neapolitan architect Lamont Young, when the major decreed the accommodation of this new area of the city.

The building, later bought by banker Carlo Aselmeyer, is the best example of English neo-Gothic architecture in town: the fascinating Ogival arches and soaring whitings are a clear homage to the Middle Ages, while the exterior is completely covered with Vesuvian stone bugs.

Lamont Young signed many projects in Naples, both private and urban: he felt so attached to our city, that he decided to move to the islet of Gaiola, now a marine protected area of the Gulf of Naples.

L'articolo Castles of Naples proviene da Naples Grand Tour.

The Amalfi Coast owes its name to its largest city center, Amalfi, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Its origin are back to Roman times, but it was from the 9th century that Amalfi became powerful. It was one of the four Maritime Republics, with Genoa, Pisa and Venice. Its power extended to the control of all Mediterranean routes: that became one of the reasons that saw many dominations in the city, which left a mark mainly on its architecture.

The cathedral of Amalfi, which preserves the relic of St Andrew, patron saint of the city, is a striking example. From its facade, numerous styles make it a unique and imposing building, which stands in the center of the square of the same name.

Walking in Amalfi still means going into narrow streets full of shops, carefully looking at the traces of the great city that was.

Cetara

Cetara is possibly one of the most beautiful places on the entire Amalfi coast. It still retains its original appearance: a small fishing village, with narrow streets and a little port, away from the spotlight and the great mass tourism.

Nestled in a small conca, under the shadow of Mount Falerio, it is the ideal place to enjoy the sea, the sun and where you can still find traditional tastes.

Tuna and anchovies are the protagonists of the cooking tradition of Cetara, whose typical dish is spaghetti with anchovy leaking. This sauce is obtained from the fermentation of anchovies marinated in special containers and can be an evolution of Garum, the fish sauce loved by the ancient Romans. Spending a day in Cetara means feeling in full connection with the history and natural beauty that this small village still proudly preserves.

Positano

Keeping our road tour along the Amalfi Coast, you can’t help to be dazzled by the poetry of Positano. Its indisputable beauty has made it, since the time of the Romans, a summer holiday resort, as some traces – recently unearthed – still prove. Along the stretch of road that winds inside, you’ll come across narrow, articulated streets, meeting ladders that overlook striking and breathtaking views, terraced gardens, lemon-pergolas, and colorful flower spots. Walking downtown, small and colorful shops proudly show local products in an elegant setting: lemon cream and the Worldwide famous “limoncello”, white linen dresses, leather sandals made by local handcraftmen… Reaching the beach, a small cove that frames a crystal clear sea. From the beach a small path in the rock leads to other lovely coves and flanks the watchtowers, a tangible sign of the ancient Saracen incursions. That’s Positano: legend, history and enchanting beauty that kidnaps anyone who passes by.

Ravello

The amazing Ravello, one of the highest points on the coast, thanks to its unique beauty and stunning views have they call it “the most beautiful terrace in the world”. Ravello was founded by the Romans and became a possession of the Republic of Amalfi. Its location far from the chaos of city life, made it a place of “refuge” for many intellectuals: from Giovanni Boccaccio, who even mentioned it in the beginning of his Decameron, to Richard Wagner. The Festival of Music is just dedicated to him: annually it recalls to Ravello the highest masters of world music. Its villas have enchanted visitors for centuries, and they never stop leaving everyone breathless: Villa Cimbrione and its Terrace of Infinity, the most beautiful panorama ever, with the only sound of the waves of the sea, and Villa Rufolo, with its timeless charmed gardens, into an elegant and memorable atmosphere never met before. The “Divine Coast” is a casket of endless treasures!

L'articolo The Amalfi Coast with Naples Grand Tour proviene da Naples Grand Tour.