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Campania castles, palaces and mansions

The Campania region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Campania region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Caserta - Castles, palaces and mansions

Reggia di Caserta

The Royal Palace of Caserta was the historic residence of the Bourbons of Naples. The building consists of 1200 rooms and 1742 windows and was built in 1845. It is surrounded by a magnificent park, divided into an Italian garden and an English garden. The Royal Palace turns out to be the largest royal residence in the world. The Royal Palace of Caserta, otherwise known as the Royal Palace of Caserta, is distinguished by its great particularity, being surrounded by an Italian and an English garden. Due to its size (about 2.5 km) it is considered the largest park in Europe. Charles III of Bourbon, given the extraordinary nature of the landscape, ordered the construction of the Royal Palace, whose construction ended in 1780. Inside the building are the royal park, numerous majestic fountains and the Palatina Library.

Agropoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Agropoli

The origins of the castle are very ancient, the first testimonies date back to the Greek-Byzantine period. Its architecture has changed from time to time but what gave the final touch was the restoration of the 15th century, time when it became a military fortress. Then the castle lost this function and became a residence for noble families. There are two characters that are linked to the Luisa Sanfelice castle: the coat of arms of the family that is still on a door of the castle and the French writer Marguerite Yourcenar.

Apice - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Apice

The Castle, with its Roman architecture, is supposed to date back to the twelfth century, even if it has undergone restoration over the years. It is known for its decagonal shape and fortified walls. Inside it has large rooms, which were used by the noble families of the time and their servants. Today, the building is used for various cultural activities in the area, as the seat of the Civic Museum of Peasant Civilization, even if, currently, it is being restored.

Calitri - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Calitri Diroccato

The Castle of Calitri initially belonged to the family of Carlo d'Angio. Later it passed into the hands of several owners, and in the 17th century it was purchased by the Mirelli family. Due to the earthquakes that occurred between the 16th and 17th centuries, the structure was badly damaged. Later, it was restored by Louis IV Gesualdo, who transformed it into a private residence. In 1980, the castle was struck by another earthquake, and the remaining ruins were restored again. Today, the castle is home to the Museum of Ceramics.

Bacoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Baia - Castello di Baia

The Aragonese Castle was built by Alfonso of Aragon at the end of the fifteenth century for the defense of the Gulf of Pozzuoli from the Moors. The building consists of a series of fortifications linked together. The castle has a strategic position that allows for a wide view that prevented the enemies from approaching. The castle of Baia is home to the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields for its dominant position compared to the archaeological sites of the Phlegraean Campi.

Naples - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Colonna di Stigliano

This building is located in the heart of the city of Naples. It was built at the end of the 16th century by Giovanni Zevallos. At the end of the 19th century, the building was purchased by the Banca Commerciale Italiana. The renovation was done by the architect Platania, and since 1898 the building continues to act as a bank office. The building and the original courtyard are built in Art Nouveau style. Of great interest, is the staircase of honor, where the neoclassical decorations of the great painters are located.

Naples - Castles, palaces and mansions

Reggia di Portici

The Royal Palace of Portici was built between 1738 and 1742, at the behest of Charles III of Bourbon. The palace also became the seat of the Herculanense Museum, where the finds of Herculaneum are located, today kept in the National Archaeological Museum. The structure consists of two wings that connect from a large courtyard. In the building there are also many decorations, mosaics and columns, which were found during the excavations of Herculaneum.

Avella - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Avella Diroccato

The monumental complex of the Castello di Avella occupies a hill with steep sides located on the right of the river Clanis. The top of the hill is occupied by the structures of the fortress, dominated by the size of a cylindrical tower on a truncated conical base welded to the imposing structures of the Donjon. Some exploratory essays conducted in 1987 set the date of its plant to the Norman period (XI-XII century) and highlighted the existence of renovations during the 13th century.

Benevento - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca dei Rettori

The construction of the Rocca dei Rectors dates back to 1321 on the model of the large French military buildings. It was built on the remains of an ancient Lombard fortress and is located at the highest point of the historic center of Benevento. The fortress houses the historical section of the Museo del Sannio and is also known as the Castle of Benevento or Castello di Manfredi. On the terrace there are two turrets from where you can admire a splendid view of the mountain basin and Mount Taburno.

Bisaccia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Ducale

The first origins of the Ducal Castle of Bisaccia, in the province of Avellino, date back to the Norman period, but the current structure has undergone numerous reconstruction interventions over the centuries. Over time, the Castle was used as a fortified residence for Lords. The courtyard of the building overlooks the rooms on the ground floor. The square tower resists that, at its origins, was equipped with a bridge. Today the City is the owner of the Palace.

Capri - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Castiglione

The Castiglione Castle was probably built between the 10th and 11th centuries on the homonymous hill. It was renovated in the twelfth century by the will of Charles of Anjou, thus becoming a directorial property. The structure is composed of a quadrangular plan with forced and crenellated walls and its edged nougats. At the center of the fortress there was also a chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Libera. Since 1952 the Castle was destined for public homes, after the restoration carried out by Duke Roberto Caracciolo.

Castellammare di Stabia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Angioino

The Angevin Castle was built around the tenth century at the behest of the Duke of Sorrento. Some historians, however, also attribute the construction to Charles I of Anjou from whom it takes its name. In the following centuries it had several renovations becoming also the seat of the garrison of mercenary soldiers. Within its walls there was the cathedral that housed the bishops of the diocese. The structure consists of powerful walls with towers and towers joined together through a wall with relative side openings.

Naples - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Como

Palazzo Como was built in 400. At its origins, the palace in 1292, was owned by the vicar of Charles II of Anjou, Riccardo Como d'Albignano. In 1454 it was enlarged by Giovanni and Fabio Como. Next to the building, a garden was purchased and the Aragonese coat of arms was added by the Como, for gratitude and recognition. Today it is home to the Gaetano Filangieri Civic Museum. Inside there are paintings, sculptures, relevant collections of art and, moreover, weapons, majolica, porcelain, books, archival documents.

Nocera Inferiore - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Fienga

The Fienga Castle or Castello di Nocera was built around the tenth century on top of the hill of Sant'Andrea. Of the Castle you can still see the two walls, the Gothic arches of the aviary and the apse area of the church of Santa Maria alla Torre, located behind the keep. Of particular beauty is the Royal Cavallerizza divided into spans and covered by barrel vaults. Currently the Castle is in the management of the Municipality of Nocera Inferiore after the homonymous Palace has been established inside it.

Nocera Inferiore - Castles, palaces and mansions

Caserma Tofano

Tofano barracks was built during the 18th century at the behest of the King of Naples Charles III on the place where the Doge's Palace stood. Initially, the barracks was dedicated to Lieutenant General Nicola Marselli and later it was dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant Bruno Tofano. The Barracks had the function of hosting the military and freeing citizens from the duty to receive them in their homes. It was also named Grand Quarter as it represented a real military citadel in a strategic position for the city.

Teano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Taverna della Catena

The Taverna della Catena is located in Teano where along the main road there were several taverns for stopping and changing horses of postmen and travelers. Among these, the “Taverna della Catena”, built by Duke Domenico Mariconda around 1720 at which on 26 October 1860 the historic meeting between Giuseppe Garibaldi and Vittorio Emanuele was thought to take place II, gone down in history with the name of “Teano's meeting”. Nowadays, thanks to the various restorations, it continues to maintain its original appearance.

Aversa - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Aragonese

The Aragonese Castle of Aversa is one of the most beautiful castles in the city. This construction dates back to the Middle Ages. It took this name from Alfonso of Aragon, who used it as a home and modified some parts of it. It was also used as a judicial asylum. For some years now, it has been home to the “School of Training and Updating of the Penitentiary Administration”. Currently, it is in excellent condition and can be admired in all its majesty and magnificence.

Capua - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Carlo V

The Castle of Charles V was built in 1542 at the behest of the homonymous emperor who commissioned the construction of the architect Gian Giacomo dell'Acaya. The fortress is located in the ancient village of the city of Capua. It has linear geometries and ramparts of a square base and an entrance bridge that rests on arches. Over the centuries the function of the Castle has always remained the defensive function, except during the period of the restoration when it held the role of prison.

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