Palace and Castle Tickets and Tours in Naples

Naples is another of Italy's jewels where art is everywhere, especially in its buildings. The city is home to a series of palaces and castles dating back several centuries, with fascinating stories and countless artistic, historical and cultural treasures inside.

Visiting these palaces and castles is one of the things to see and do in Naples that cannot be missed. Tour the majestic Royal Palace of Naples and learn about its history, stroll through the medieval Maschio Angioino and dell'Ovo castles , explore the massive Royal Palace of Caserta or admire the collections of the Palace of Capodimonte. There are too many options for art appreciation, and I'll tell you more below.

The Royal Palace of Naples is a place full of history that has seen great dynasties pass through the centuries. It was built in the seventeenth century under the order of the viceroy of Spain Fernando Ruiz de Castro, with the design of Domenico Fontana, consisting of a facade of 169 meters of late baroque style.

In addition to the Spanish kings, Bourbon leaders lived in the palace ; Joaquin Murat during the Napoleonic period; Ferdinand I during the Kingdom of the two Sicilies; and Umberto I, during the Savoy period. These are decades of history accumulated inside. For this reason, this destination is always included in the itinerary of those who visit Naples in 1 day.

The interior of this complex is a clear example of opulence, including the marble staircase, the Court Theater and the apartment, with 30 rooms where you can admire beautiful tapestries, frescoes, furniture and other works of art from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. Likewise, to get to know this majestic place it is enough to join one of the private tours of the castles of Naples.

Currently, the palace is home to the National Library, with 1.5 million books, with ancient manuscripts such as the papyri of Herculaneum. It also houses some museums and has outdoor spaces, such as the Hanging Garden and the Romantic Garden, as well as the Courtyard of Honor, the Courtyard of the Carriages and Belvedere Courtyard.

Information of interest

• Price: approximately €15 per person.
• Hours: generally open from Thursday to Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with last entrance at 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Naples.

Castel Maschio Angioino or Castel Nuovo, as it is also known, is another medieval fortification that should be included in a 3-day itinerary in Naples or longer. It is a fortress from medieval times, and its construction dates back to the 13th century, with the purpose of being the royal residence of Charles I of Anjou.

When visiting this castle, the triumphal arch made in marble, which was added to the structure in the 15th century, stands out. This architectural piece is considered representative of the Renaissance. In addition, the castle is surrounded by five cylindrical towers that complement its function as a palace and fortress at the same time.

Inside this imposing enclosure you can see the historical rooms such as the Sala dei Baroni, in Gothic style with 28 meters high, the royal chapel, with frescoes of the fourteenth century attributed to Giotto. There is also the civic museum, with sculptures, paintings and other elements that tell the history of Naples from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Because of its location, a visit to this place can be combined with other activities, such as the guided tour of the Bourbon Gallery of Naples, which usually starts at Vico del Grottone, 4, 80132, located about 10 minutes walk from the fortress.

Useful information

• Price: about €6 per person.
• Hours: generally from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.
• Location: Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli.

The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the largest royal residences in the world, corresponding to the eighteenth century, built by order of Charles VII of Naples, with the aim of creating a palace to be the rival of the Palace of Versailles. Thus, the design was entrusted to the architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who designed the structure in the late Baroque style.

The structure, which is a UNESCO heritage site, has a total of 1,200 rooms spread over the five floors of the building. As for the main façade, it is 36 meters high and 250 meters long. When taking a private guided tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta you can see the interior copiously decorated with sculptures, frescoes and period furniture.

It is possible to see the Staircase of Honor, an imposing marble structure; the Court Theater; and the Palatine Chapel, where masses are still celebrated. Also noteworthy are the extensive gardens, which cover more than 120 hectares and blend French and Italian styles.

In these green lawns you can see fountains, waterfalls, the Carolinian Aqueduct and an English garden added years later. There are many ways to visit it: in small groups, with round trip by train, with skip-the-line entrance, etc. Without a doubt, it is a must-see attraction in things to see near Naples.

Useful information

• Price: the private guided tour costs about 119€ per person.
• Hours: generally every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Location: Piazza Carlo di Borbone, 81100 Caserta.

On a hill that rises on the outskirts of the city stands the Palace of Capodimonta. It is a representative building of Bourbon architecture, built under the rule of Charles of Bourbon in the eighteenth century. It is a three-story building that includes elements of late Baroque and Neoclassicism.

In addition, the Palace is home to the National Museum of Capodimonte, one of the stops included in some of the tour buses of Naples. When appreciating the interior of the structure, one can observe the elements made in marble, the frescoes and ornamental stuccoes and the original furniture of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries still present in some rooms.

The museum is one of the largest in Italy and could be known through a private visit. Among its vast collection of paintings are works by the most renowned painters such as El Greco, Caravaggio, Raffaello and Titian. The porcelain collection of the Capodimonte factory can also be seen.

To complement this great complex, the palace is surrounded by the Capodimonte Forest, which extends for about 134 hectares and is an important natural lung in the city, which also houses buildings of great historical value such as the church of San Gennaro and the Casino dei Principi.

Useful information

• Price: approximately 15€ per person. Children under 18 are free.
• Hours: generally from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Location: Via Miano, 2, 80131 Naples.

The Castel dell'Ovo is another fortress located in Naples. It is the oldest in the city and is located on the small island of Megaride. From the building you can see the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Its name is related to a legend that Virgil, the Roman poet, hid a magic egg in the structure and the fate of the city depended on it.

The structure of the castle dates back to the 12th century, but the history of the site dates back to the 1st century BC, when a villa was built in the area. As you walk around the site, you can appreciate its halls, towers and terraces. Unlike other attractions on this list, this place attracts attention for its own sake and not for what it houses inside.

Thus, the great attraction is precisely its medieval architecture and the terrace, from where you can see a good part of the city, for incredible panoramic views at sunset. On the other hand, given its location near some restaurants and pizzerias, a visit to the castle can easily be combined with a private gastronomic tour of Naples.

Useful information

• Price: free of charge.
• Hours: generally every day. But check the time according to the season.
• Location: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli.

Located in the Psillipo district, the Palazzo Donn'Anna is an enigmatic building in the city located in such a way that it seems to emerge from the sea. Its construction dates back to the 17th century and was commissioned by Anna Carfa, wife of the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Unfortunately, the building was never completed and today is a destination full of mysteries that attracts locals and visitors.

The palace can be admired from the outside at any time of the day and is not open for visits. However, this does not detract from the charm of its baroque style, designed by the architect Cosimo Fanzago.

Given its particular history, a number of myths have been created that would combine perfectly in a private tour of mysteries and legends of Naples. It is said that the spirit of Donn'Anna wanders the corridors of the place and that its presence is felt on full moon nights.

In any case, this place is still an attractive palace for visitors, which has been the setting for films and television productions, for its ability to recreate a romantic or decadent atmosphere. The ruins can be seen from the road or from the sea.

Information of interest

• Location: Via Posillipo, 9, 80123 Napoli.

Castel Sant'Elmo is an impressive fortress from medieval times, which stands on the hill of Vomero. This allows it to be an attractive vantage point for visitors, as it offers a 360-degree view of the city of Naples, the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding area, ideal for great panoramas.

This fortification dates back to the 13th century but the current structure dates back to the 16th century, when a reconstruction was carried out under Spanish rule . The structure has a six-pointed star-shaped design, which facilitated defense against possible attacks.

Over the decades, the castle has functioned as a prison, royal residence and military barracks. Today, it is a cultural center and houses the Museo del Novecento, a space dedicated to 20th century Neapolitan art and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Other attractions within this complex include the church of San Erasmo, a baroque style temple that houses some 17th century frescoes. Also, take a look at the Orologio Castel Sant'Elmo, a clock that adorns one of the internal facades. In case you choose to buy the Naples Pass, you should know that this destination is included in the 3, 5 and 7 day options.

Useful information

• Price: approximately 5€ per person.
• Hours: generally from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Location: Via Tito Angelini, 20, 80129 Napoli.

Another of the oldest castles in Naples, whose construction dates back to the 12th century, is the Castel Capuano. This enclosure was erected by order of King William I of Sicily, with the aim of being a defensive fortress. For many years, it functioned as the Palace of Justice and today it houses some administrative offices and is a cultural center of great importance in the city.

Although this castle does not admit regular guided tours, it is possible to enter it to participate in one of the events that are organized on site. In any case, you can admire its facade with its imposing square design. The castle also lends its name to the Fondazione Castel Capuano, an institution dedicated to forensic legal training.

Inside, there is the beautiful Sala dei Busti, with a series of busts of famous jurists in the region. There is also the chapel of Santa Maria della Fede, where there are several frescoes dating back to the 16th century. There is also the marble staircase and other rooms with coffered ceilings that add to its beauty.

Information of interest

• Price: free of charge. Tickets for specific events have varied costs.
• Location: Via Concezio Muzy, 80139 Naples.

Located in the area of the historic center of Naples, Palazzo Donnaregina is full of elegance and beauty. It is a building corresponding to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, although the place itself dates back to the fourteenth century. Upon arriving at the building, you can see its attractive baroque façade, which blends in with the surrounding urban elements.

Inside, you can admire a large collection of sacred art, with elements ranging from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. This is because the palace is the seat of the Diocesan Museum of Naples, so it collects large samples of religious history. In addition, it organizes cultural events such as concerts, theatrical performances and more.

Another attraction in this artistic and religious complex is the church of Santa Maria Donnaregina Nuova, located adjacent to the palace . It is a 17th century Baroque church where paintings by Francesco Solimena and Luca Giordano can be seen.

Information of interest

• Price: approximately €10 per person.
• Hours: generally from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays until 2:00 pm.
• Location: Largo Donnaregina - 80138 Napoli.

The Palazzo Zevallos is another attraction where art lovers will feel very much at home, as it houses a rich art collection with works by renowned artists. Of course, first of all its façade stands out, which corresponds to the neoclassical style of the 19th century.

Already in the immediate vicinity of the palace you can admire the spacious rooms decorated with frescoes, stuccoes and marbles that give it an undeniable look of opulence. This explains why the place is home to the Gallerie d'Italia, a museum with works such as "The Martyrdom of St. Ursula" by Caravaggio and a large collection of Neapolitan painting from the seventeenth century to the early twentieth century.

In addition to being a museum, this space is a cultural center where various events are organized such as temporary exhibitions, concerts, etc.. Due to its location in the downtown area, it can be combined with other activities such as a guided walking tour of Naples.

Useful information

• Price: approximately 5€ per person. Children under 18 are free.
• Hours: generally Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays until 8:00 pm.
• Location: Via Toledo, 185, 80132 Naples.