Castel Capuano

Shrouded in the mists of time, Castel Capuano stands as a testament to Naples’ vibrant past. Rising above the bustling heart of the city, Castel Capuano whispers tales of kings and queens, courts and prisons. This imposing structure, the second oldest castle in Naples, takes its name from the nearby Porta Capuana, a gateway leading to the ancient city of Capua. Its story begins in the 12th century with William I, the Norman king who envisioned a powerful symbol of his reign. Completed in 1160, Castel Capuano initially served as a royal residence, although its robust fortifications hinted at a more martial purpose. Imagine the halls echoing with the clang of armor and the murmurings of courtly intrigue. Over the centuries, Castel Capuano witnessed a whirlwind of historical dramas. It hosted grand celebrations, like the wedding of Charles of Durazzo, but also knew darker times, like the assassination of Sergianni Caracciolo. In the 16th century, a new chapter unfolded as Castel Capuano was transformed into a palace of justice. The Spanish viceroy, Pedro de Toledo, orchestrated this change, adapting the castle’s spaces to accommodate courts and, chillingly, prisons equipped with torture chambers. Look closely at the entrance portal. There, a plaque commemorates Charles V’s victory in Tunis and marks the year Castel Capuano took on its new role as a purveyor of justice. The grand double-headed eagle, the emblem of Spanish royalty, watches over the entrance. Although much of its original architecture has been lost to time and renovation, Castel Capuano remains a silent sentinel guarding centuries of Neapolitan history.