Could a simple chapel withstand centuries of change? You might be surprised by the resilience of the Palatine Chapel here at Castel Nuovo. It’s the only surviving piece of the original 14th-century Angevin castle. Now, picture a young king, Charles I of Anjou, victorious after defeating the Hohenstaufens. He claims the throne of Sicily and decides to move the capital from Palermo to Naples. It’s 1279, and the ambitious Charles has a vision for a new castle. Not just a fortress, but a magnificent palace near the sea. He tasks French architect Pierre de Chaulnes to build this symbol of power: Castel Nuovo. The building rises with impressive speed, finished in just three years! Sadly, Charles I never got to enjoy his new palace. After his death, his son, Charles II, made Castel Nuovo his family home, expanding and enriching it even further. This is where things get really interesting. Imagine the year is now 1294. Pope Celestine V, a humble hermit, decides to give up his papal throne. He chooses the grand hall of Castel Nuovo for this momentous occasion. A short while later, in that same hall, cardinals elect Pope Boniface VIII. This event highlights the power and prestige of Castel Nuovo in this era. Over the years, this grand castle witnessed battles, conspiracies, and even hosted renowned artists like Giotto and Boccaccio. Today, as you stand before Castel Nuovo, you’re looking at a survivor, a complex tapestry of history woven into stone.
Fontana delle Conchiglie
This unassuming fountain, the Fontana delle Conchiglie, holds a secret. It wasn’t always meant to stand alone. Built in 1938