Naples has always been considered the city of legends and traditions, but it actually holds another distinction that few people know about or would expect. It is known in Italy as the city of the seven castles.
That’s right, because in ancient times Naples had as many as seven castles, and it was the only city to have so many within its city limits.
Today, not all of these fortresses, built in different eras to defend the city from enemy attacks coming from the sea, are open to visitors.
In fact, some of them are in a state of total abandonment and decay. But they have played an important role in the history of this great city, making it once again one of the most fascinating places to visit in Italy. Let’s discover them all!
1. Castel dell’Ovo
It is the oldest castle in the city, located on the islet of Megaride and connected to the Naples waterfront by a pier. In the 7th century B.C., the Cumans landed on this islet and began building the city of Parthenope on the nearby Mount Echia.
However, the castle’s history and name are linked to the legend of the Roman poet Virgil. He is said to have hidden a magical egg inside a cage in the castle’s dungeons, secured with heavy locks. For it is said that if the egg had broken, Naples would have been plunged into a profound disaster.
This spirit of superstition has been passed down for centuries; in fact, in the 14th century, during the reign of Joanna I, the castle suffered extensive damage due to the partial collapse of the arch on which it rested. The queen had to swear
2. Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
The Maschio Angioino, also known as Castel Nuovo, is one of the most imposing and recognizable landmarks of Naples, a city where every stone tells centuries of history. Its origins date back to 1266, when Charles I of Anjou decided to move the capital of the Kingdom from Palermo to Naples and to establish a royal residence befitting his power.
Over the centuries, the castle witnessed crucial events and profound transformations. Under the Angevins, the Maschio Angioino became a vibrant center of culture and politics, frequented by artists and writers such as Petrarch and Boccaccio.
With the arrival of the Aragonese in the 15th century, the castle underwent a transformation; it was during this period that the white marble triumphal arch between the two large towers was constructed. The castle thus took on the Renaissance appearance that characterizes it today, blending Gothic elements with humanist influences.
Over the following centuries, it evolved from a royal residence into a military and administrative fortress. Today, it has become one of the major cultural hubs of the city of Naples, hosting museums and exhibitions.
3. Castel Sant’Elmo
Located on the Vomero hill, it overlooks the entire city with its star-shaped layout. Originally built as a medieval fortification and expanded during the Spanish period, it also served as a prison. Today, it is an extraordinary vantage point and a venue for cultural events.
The origins of Castel Sant’Elmo date back to 1329, when, under the reign of Robert of Anjou, an initial fortified structure called “Belforte” was built from the bedrock, the yellow tuff of Naples. It was expanded and its structure altered during the Spanish domination.
Castel Sant’Elmo, in addition to being a medieval fortress, was also used as a prison for political prisoners and figures deemed a threat to the ruling power; in fact, intellectuals, patriots, and revolutionaries were imprisoned here during periods of intense political tension, such as the 1647 revolt led by Masaniello.
Today it has become a venue for events and exhibitions and a meeting point between history and contemporary art.
4. Castel Capuano
Built in the 12th century by the Normans, it is one of the oldest castles in Naples. Located near Porta Capuana, at the junction of what is now Via dei Tribunali, it was originally a royal residence and is now home to the School of the Judiciary.
The castle stands out for its imposing yet relatively understated structure compared to other Neapolitan castles. The façade is linear, with cylindrical towers at the corners that give it a fortified yet elegant appearance. Its appearance has undergone profound changes throughout history. In fact, it was only after the unification of Italy that the coat of arms of the House of Savoy was added to the façade, and in 1858 the clock was installed.
Inside, however, Renaissance and Baroque decorations stand out, including frescoes and richly ornamented rooms, such as the famous “Hall of Busts,” decorated with portraits of distinguished jurists.
5. Castel Carmine
Castel del Carmine is one of Naples’s lesser-known but highly significant fortifications, located in the eastern part of the city, near the port and the market.
It was built in the 15th century during the Aragonese rule, under Ferdinand I of Naples, primarily for defensive purposes and to control the port area. In fact, it served to protect the city from threats coming from the sea and from internal uprisings.
Unlike other Neapolitan castles, it stands out for its more compact structure and its sturdy cylindrical towers, designed to withstand the new siege techniques of the time.
Unfortunately, very little remains to see today; only a few towers and sections of the original fortifications remain, which can be admired along Via Marina. Despite this, it retains great historical value because it bears witness to the evolution of the city’s defensive strategies.
6. Castel Vigliena
Not everyone knows of its existence, but Castel Vigliena was also another important castle in the city of Naples. Located in the San Giovanni a Teduccio neighborhood, it was built in 1702 and was used during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, only ruins remain, steeped in historical and symbolic significance.
It is best known for a heroic episode in 1799 during the Neapolitan Republic. The patriots blew it up rather than hand it over to the enemy.
7. Forte di Nisida
Nisida Fortress or Nisida Castle, now home to the Juvenile Detention Center of Naples. It was a military structure on the island of Nisida, connected to the mainland by an artificial isthmus, and stands as one of the most distinctive examples of Neapolitan defensive architecture.
The fort stands out for its strategic location, built on a volcanic island that overlooks the entire Gulf of Naples. This natural setting sets it apart from the city’s other castles, which are more closely integrated into the urban fabric.
Located on the island of Nisida, this fort served a strategic military purpose in controlling the gulf. Over time, it also functioned as a prison.
