Palace and Castle Tickets and Tours in Naples

Naples is another of Italy's gems, 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 histories and countless artistic, historical and cultural treasures inside.

A visit to these palaces and castles is one of the things you can't miss in Naples. Tour the majestic Royal Palace of Naples and learn about its history, stroll through the medieval castles of Maschio Angioino and dell'Ovo, explore the enormous Royal Palace of Caserta or admire the collections of the Capodimonte Palace. There are so many options for art lovers, and I'll tell you more about them below.

The Royal Palace of Naples is a place steeped in history that has seen great dynasties come and go over the centuries. It was built in the 17th century under the orders of the Spanish viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, designed by Domenico Fontana, and features a 169-metre late Baroque façade.

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 within its walls. For this reason, this destination is always included in the itinerary of anyone visiting Naples in one day.

The interior of this building is a clear example of opulence, with highlights including the marble staircase, the court theatre and the apartment, with 30 rooms where you can admire beautiful tapestries, frescoes, furniture and other works of art from the 17th to the 20th centuries. To discover this majestic place, simply 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, including ancient manuscripts such as the Herculaneum papyri. It also houses several museums and has outdoor spaces, such as the Hanging Garden and the Romantic Garden, as well as the Courtyard of Honour, the Carriage Courtyard and the Belvedere Courtyard.

Useful information

• Price: approximately £13 per person.
• Opening hours: generally open from Thursday to Tuesday from 9:00 to 20:00, with last admission at 19:00.
• 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 any itinerary of three days or more in Naples. It is a medieval fortress, built in the 13th century to be the royal residence of Charles I of Anjou.

When visiting this castle , the marble triumphal arch, 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 both a palace and a fortress.

Inside this imposing enclosure, you can see historic rooms such as the Sala dei Baroni, in Gothic style and 28 metres high, and the royal chapel, with 14th-century frescoes attributed to Giotto. There is also the civic museum, with sculptures, paintings and other items that tell the history of Naples from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

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

Useful information

• Price: approximately £5 per person.
• Opening hours: generally Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Naples.

The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the largest royal residences in the world. It dates back to the 18th century and was built by 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 World 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 lavishly decorated interior with sculptures, frescoes and period furniture.

You can see the Grand Staircase, an imposing marble structure; the Court Theatre; and the Palatine Chapel, where Mass is still celebrated. Also noteworthy are the extensive gardens, which cover more than 120 hectares and blend French and Italian styles.

In these green meadows, you can see fountains, waterfalls, the Carolino Aqueduct and an English garden added years later. There are many ways to visit: in small groups, with a return trip by train, with skip-the-line tickets, etc. It is undoubtedly an unmissable attraction among the things to see near Naples.

Useful information

• Price: the private guided tour costs around £119 per person.
• Opening hours: generally every day from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Piazza Carlo di Borbone, 81100 Caserta.

The Capodimonte Palace is located on a hill overlooking the city . It is a representative example of Bourbon architecture, built under the orders of Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century. It is a three-storey building that includes elements of late Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

The palace is also home to the Capodimonte National Museum, one of the stops on some of Naples' tourist bus routes. Inside the building, visitors can admire the marble elements, frescoes and ornamental stucco work, as well as the original 18th- and 19th-century furniture still present in some of the rooms.

The museum is one of the largest in Italy and can be visited on a private tour. Its extensive collection of paintings includes works by some of the most renowned painters, such as El Greco, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. You can also see the collection of porcelain from the Capodimonte factory.

To complement this large complex, the palace is surrounded by the Capodimonte Forest, which covers about 134 hectares and is an important natural lung for the city, 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. Free for children under 18.
• Opening hours: generally Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Via Miano, 2, 80131 Naples.

Castel dell'Ovo is another fortress located in Naples. It is the oldest in the city and is situated 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 claims that Virgil, the Roman poet, hid a magical egg in the structure, on which the fate of the city depended.

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 rooms, towers and terraces. Unlike other attractions on this list, this place stands out for itself and not for what it houses inside.

The main attraction is its medieval architecture and the terrace, from which you can see a large part of the city and enjoy incredible views at sunset. Given its location near several restaurants and pizzerias, a visit to the castle can easily be combined with a private food tour of Naples.

Useful information

• Price: free
• Opening hours: generally every day. However, please check the opening times according to the season.
• Location: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Naples.

Located in the Psillipo neighbourhood, Palazzo Donn'Anna is an enigmatic building in the city, positioned in such a way that it seems to rise out of the sea. It was built in the 17th century on behalf of Anna Carfa, wife of the Spanish viceroy of Naples. Unfortunately, the building was never completed and today it is a destination full of mystery that attracts locals and visitors alike.

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

Given its unique history, a series of myths have been created that would fit perfectly into a private tour of the mysteries and legends of Naples. It is said that the spirit of Donn'Anna wanders through the corridors of the palace and that her presence can be felt on full moon nights.

In any case, this place remains an attractive palace for visitors, having 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 Naples.

Castel Sant'Elmo is an impressive medieval fortress standing on the Vomero hill. This makes it an attractive viewpoint for visitors, offering a 360-degree view of the city of Naples, the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding area, ideal for taking spectacular panoramic photos.

This fortification dates back to the 13th century , but the current structure dates from the 16th century, when it was rebuilt under Spanish rule. The structure has a six-pointed star design, which facilitated defence against possible attacks.

Over the decades, the castle has served as a prison, royal residence and military barracks. Today, it is a cultural centre and home to the Museo del Novecento, a space dedicated to 20th-century Neapolitan art with 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 façades. If you decide to purchase 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 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Via Tito Angelini, 20, 80129 Naples.

Another of Naples' oldest castles, dating back to the 12th century, is Castel Capuano. This enclosure was built by order of King William I of Sicily as a defensive fortress. For many years, it served as the Palace of Justice and today houses some administrative offices and is an important cultural centre in the city.

Although this castle does not offer regular guided tours, it is possible to enter to participate in some of the events organised there. In any case, you can admire its façade with its imposing square design. The castle also lends its name to the Fondazione Castel Capuano, an institution dedicated to forensic legal training.

Inside, the beautiful Sala dei Busti stands out , with a series of busts of famous jurists from the region. There is also the chapel of Santa Maria della Fede, where you can find 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. Tickets for specific events vary in price.
• Location: Via Concezio Muzy, 80139 Naples.

Located in the historic centre of Naples, the Donnaregina Palace stands out for its elegance and beauty. It is a building dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, although the site itself dates back to the 14th century. Upon arriving at the site , 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 pieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This is because the palace is home to the Diocesan Museum of Naples, which houses a large collection of religious history. It also organises cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances and more.

Another attraction in this artistic and religious complex is the church of Santa Maria Donnaregina Nuova, located in the vicinity of 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 Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays until 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Largo Donnaregina – 80138 Naples.

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

In the vicinity of the palace, you can admire the spacious rooms decorated with frescoes, stucco and marble, which give it an undeniably opulent appearance. This explains why the place is home to the Gallerie d'Italia, a museum with works such as Caravaggio's "The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula" and an extensive collection of Neapolitan paintings dating from the 17th to the early 20th century.

In addition to being 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, it can be combined with other activities such as a guided walking tour of Naples.

Useful information

• Price: approximately £5 per person. Free for children under 18.
• Opening hours: generally Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00. Saturdays and Sundays until 20:00.
• Location: Via Toledo, 185, 80132 Naples.