Castel Capuano

Castel Capuano is a castle in Naples. Capua is the name of the neighboring village in the east of the city wall, which was already named for the ancient Porta Capuana. The castle forms the end point of the inner-city Via dei Tribunali.

History

The original building dates from the 12th century and was built by order of William I (Sicily ), the son of Roger II of Sicily. Castel Capuano is considered the oldest still existing fortress in Naples. About a hundred years later, an expansion and complete renovation by Charles of Anjou. It was not until 1484, the building was part of the fortification of Naples and royal residence. An expansion of the city made ​​the military importance of the castle meaningless.

From 1540 a Vicariate was here by reason of Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, Viceroy of Naples, set up and it was spoken in the building dish, a function that takes place here today.

Architecture

The building is now in relatively good condition. In particular, from the courtyard of the medieval structures and components can be clearly seen. Inside, in particular in the Cappella Sommaria, abundant stucco decorations and frescoes from the early era can still be seen.