Museo Civico Castelnuovo

The building of the Maschio Angioino began in 1279 during the reign of Charles I of Anjou, the French architect being Pierre de Chaule. The new castle’s strategic position gave it the characteristics not only of a royal residence, but also those of fortress. 
The Angevins were succeeded by the Aragonese with Alfonso I, who, as his predecessors, chose Castel Nuovo as the royal residence and began the work of reconstruction by having erected, between the Middle Tower and the Watch Tower, the Arch of Triumph to celebrate his triumphant arrival in the city of Naples. With the Aragonese came the change from the medieval castle-palace to the fortress that now stands there, provided with everything needed in times of war. At present the castle is used for cultural events and is also the seat of the Civic Museum. Our tour of the castle goes from the Armoury to the Palatine Chapel or Chapel of Santa Barbara, the first and second floor of the southern curtain, and the Charles V Hall and the Sala della Loggia where exhibitions and cultural events are held.