The Castel Novo, better known as Maschio Angioino, was born as an alternative to the residence of Castel Capuano of King Charles I of Anjou. The castle was originally built in Gothic style by French architects in the years between 1279 and 1282.

The castle, surrounded by a moat, has five cylindrical towers called of San Giorgio, di Mezzo, di Guardia and of Beverello.
The only survivor of the fourteenth century castle is the palatine chapel dedicated to Santa Barbara that was damaged by the earthquake of 1456 was later restored.

Of particular interest is the large room by Guglielmo Sagrera. Among the works in this room there is a wonderful marble portal Domenico Gagini, two bas-reliefs depicting the triumphal procession of King Alfonso of Aragon and the entrance of the castle of Neaples, and the Catalan portal that leads to the House of Angels.