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 centuries, with fascinating stories and countless artistic, historical and cultural treasures inside.

A visit to these palaces and castles is one of the things to see and do in Naples that you can't miss. Tour the majestic Royal Palace of Naples and learn about its history, stroll through the medieval Maschio Angioino and dell'Ovo castles , explore the enormous Royal Palace of Caserta or admire the collections of the Palace of Capodimonte. There are so 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 17th century under the order of the viceroy of Spain Fernando Ruiz de Castro, with the design of Domenico Fontana, with a 169-metre facade in late baroque style.

In addition to the Spanish kings, the palace was home to Bourbon leaders; Joachim Murat during the Napoleonic period; Ferdinand I during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies; and Umberto I, during the Savoy period. It is decades of history accumulated inside. For this reason, this destination is always included in the itinerary of anyone visiting Naples in 1 day.

The interior of this complex is a clear example of opulence, including the marble staircase, the Court Theatre and the flat, with 30 rooms where you can admire beautiful tapestries, frescoes, furniture and other works of art from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Also, to get to know this majestic place just join one of the private tours of the castles of Naples.

Today, 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 Honour, the Courtyard of the Carriages and Belvedere Courtyard.

Useful information

• Price: approximately €15 per person.
• Opening hours: generally open from Thursday to Tuesday from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm, with last admission at 7.00 pm.
• Location: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Naples.

The Maschio Angioino Castle or Castel Nuovo, as it is also known, is another medieval fortification that should be included in the itinerary of 3 days in Naples or more. It is a medieval fortress, 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 of marble, which was added to the structure in the 15th century, stands out. This piece of architecture is considered to be representative of the Renaissance. In addition, the castle is surrounded by five cylindrical towers that complement its function as both palace and fortress.

Inside this imposing enclosure you can see the historical rooms such as the Sala dei Baroni, in Gothic style with a height of 28 metres, the royal chapel, with 14th century frescoes 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.

Due to its location, a visit to this site 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: approximately €6 per person.
• Opening hours: generally 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, dating back to the 18th century, built by order of Charles VII of Naples, with the aim of creating a palace to rival the Palace of Versailles. 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. The main façade is 36 metres high and 250 metres long. On a private guided tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta you can see the interior lavishly decorated with sculptures, frescoes and period furniture.

It is possible to see the Staircase of Honour, an imposing marble structure; the Court Theatre; 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: in small groups, with a return trip by train, with a skip-the-line entrance, etc. Without a doubt, it is a must-see attraction in things to see near Naples.

Useful information

• Price: private guided tour costs around 119€ per person.
• Opening hours: generally every day from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
• 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 Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century. It is a three-storey building that includes elements of late Baroque and Neoclassicism.

The Palace is also home to the National Museum of Capodimonte, one of the stops included on some of the tourist buses in Naples. When appreciating the interior of the structure, you can see the marble elements, the frescoes and ornamental stuccoes and the original 18th and 19th century furnishings still present in some rooms.

The museum is one of the largest in Italy and could be visited on a private tour. 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 large complex, the palace is surrounded by the Capodimonte Forest, which extends over 134 hectares and is an important natural lung in the city, which is also home to 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 the age of 18 are free.
• Opening 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 goes back to the 1st century BC, when a villa was built in the area. As you walk around the site, you can see its halls, towers and terraces. Unlike other attractions on this list, this place attracts attention for its own sake and not for what is 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.
• Opening 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 that seems to rise out of the sea. It was built in the 17th century and commissioned by Anna Carfa, wife of the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Unfortunately, the building was never completed and today it is a destination full of mysteries that attracts locals and visitors alike.

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 fit perfectly into a private tour of Naples' mysteries and legends. 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, due to its ability to recreate a romantic or decadent atmosphere. The ruins can be seen from the road or from the sea.

Useful information

• Location: Via Posillipo, 9, 80123 Napoli.

Castel Sant'Elmo is an impressive medieval fortress, which stands on the hill of Vomero. This makes it an attractive vantage point for visitors, offering a 360 degree view of the city of Naples, the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding area, ideal for great panoramic views.

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 design, which facilitated defence against attack.

Over the decades, the castle has functioned as a prison, royal residence and military barracks. Today, it is a cultural centre 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 check out the Orologio Castel Sant'Elmo, a clock that adorns one of the internal facades. In case you choose to buy the Naples Pass, this destination is included in the 3, 5 and 7 day options.

Useful information

• Price: approximately €5 per person.
• Opening hours: generally Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm.
• Location: Via Tito Angelini, 20, 80129 Napoli.

Another of Naples' oldest castles, dating back to the 12th century, is the Castel Capuano. This enclosure was erected by order of King William I of Sicily as a defensive fortress. For many years, it functioned as the Palace of Justice and today it houses some administrative offices and is a cultural centre 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 organised on the 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. The marble staircase and other rooms with coffered ceilings add to its beauty.

Useful information

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

Located in the area of the historic centre of Naples, Palazzo Donnaregina is full of elegance and beauty. It is a 17th and 18th century building , although the place itself dates back to the 14th century. On arriving at the site you can see its attractive baroque façade, which blends in with the urban elements around it.

Inside, you can admire a large collection of sacred art, with elements ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This is because the palace is the seat of the Diocesan Museum of Naples, so it collects large samples of religious history. It also hosts 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 you can see paintings by Francesco Solimena and Luca Giordano.

Useful information

• Price: approximately €10 per person.
• Opening 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, the first highlight is the façade, 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 undeniably opulent appearance. This explains why the place is home to the Gallerie d'Italia, a museum with works such as "The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula" by Caravaggio and a vast collection of Neapolitan painting from the 17th to the early 20th century.

As well as a museum, this space is a cultural centre where various events are organised, such as temporary exhibitions, concerts, etc. Due to its location in the city centre 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 the age of 18 are free.
• Opening hours: generally Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00. Saturdays and Sundays until 20:00.
• Location: Via Toledo, 185, 80132 Naples.