Castel Nuovo, also known as the Maschio Angioino, is one of Italy’s oldest standing structures. The castle is situated in Naples and is known for its rich history and beautiful grandeur. This 13th-century fortress welcomes thousands of tourists every year who love to explore the castle, the museums, and the Castel dell’Ovo nearby to get a complete taste of the history and Renaissance of Italy. So, before adding Castel Nuovo to your itinerary, let’s dive into which places you could visit near Castel Nuovo.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Of Castel Nuovo
There are many great attractions near this beautiful mammoth fortress. There are places to shop, visit the opera with family, experience the royal theatre, and hang around in a Piazza with the local Italians to learn more about their history. Let us see them one by one.
1. Galleria Umberto
Image Credit: Berthold Werner for Wikipedia Commons
This 19th-century architecture of Naples is a beautiful shopping complex. The Galleria has a glass dome and a steel roof, and the whole structure is decorated with historical sculptures from the early ages. This place is a one-stop shop for people who want to eat, shop, and have a good time with their loved ones in Naples.
You can either start your trip by having breakfast and then explore different places or have a great day exploring all the corners of Naples and have this place as your last stop for dinner or a quiet evening with family. The ground floor has many options for food lovers and souvenir shopping; there are also many options for clothes shopping in the Galleria, from where you can get a lot of local Italian brands of clothes.
How to reach: You can get here by taking a cab from the airport or public transport like the bus or metro.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
Timings: Monday to Sunday
Nearest station: Toledo, Line 1
Entry Fee: Nil
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2. Teatro di San Claro
Image Credit: Diego Delso for Wikipedia Commons
Situated just 300 meters from Castel Nuovo, this theatre is a gem of Naples that still holds regular operas, an art for the cultured. This is one of the oldest buildings in Naples and one of the most historically significant ones. The Teatro has been operational since 1737 and has a large seating capacity of about 1400 people. The view from every balcony and box in the theatre is fantastic.
It is not just for people interested in Opera culture but also for those who want to experience one of the birthplaces of theatre worldwide. This place shows how entertainment has evolved through the years. This theatre has a long list of international VIP visitors annually and has hosted some of the most significant Opera events. Many tourists miss out on going to this place because they cannot get a ticket, so booking your tickets well in advance is advisable to enjoy the experience.
How to reach: You can get here by taking a cab from the airport or via public transport like bus or metro via San Carlo, 98.
Opening Hours: Guided tours every one hour from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Timings: Monday to Saturday
Nearest station: Toledo, Line 1
Entry Fee: 9 Euros
3. Royal Palace of Naples
Image Credit: Bryan for Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Palace of Naples was built during the Spanish rule over Italy and when Castel Nuovo was under Spanish patriarchy. The Palace contains the National Library and a museum with an extensive collection of artefacts and books from the 17th to the 19th century. A tour of this Palace includes a walk through the history of the monarchs of Naples, showcasing the life of all the royalty during the early times.
If you are a fan of King’s or Queen’s Thrones from popular series, then you will love to see the throne room where royalties used to sit. This place is an interesting one for you and your family to experience the royal culture of Naples, which was when the Spanish used to rule the city centre from Castel Nuovo itself.
How to reach: You can get here by taking a cab from the airport or public transport like the bus or metro.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm
Timings: Thursday to Tuesday
Nearest station: Municipio, Line 1
Entry Fee: 10 Euro
Related Post: Things To Do In Naples
4. Piazza del Plebiscito
Image Credit: Raboe001 for Wikimedia Commons
This is the Italian version of Times Square in the USA; it is one of Italy’s most prominent public spots and has always been a centre of attraction for locals and tourists alike. This Piazza has many historically significant places segregated at its 4 corners and is a must-visit for anyone exploring places like Castel Nuovo. The Piazza is opposite the San Francesco di Paola Basilica and the Royal Palace of Naples.
It is hard to believe that this place was used as a car park from the 1960s till the 1990s, but with the increase in European tourism in the last few decades, it was open to the public as a hang-out spot. Usually, this is the last spot in the people’s itinerary as it has a quiet and peaceful vibe all around during the evening. You can come here to relax and walk with your family and friends. Once you finish the city tour of Naples, you can explore all the beautiful and historically aesthetic places.
How to reach: you can get here by taking a cab from the airport or via public transport like bus or metro and get near the Gulf of Naples.
Opening Hours: Open all-day
Timings: Monday to Sunday
Nearest station: Municipio, Line 1
Entry Fee: nil
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These one-of-a-kind attractions are enough to intrigue any history lover; the Castel Nuovo not only hosts thousands of people every year who experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, but it also gives them a true sense of what lives were like in the ancient 15th century and reminds them us of the ways of Kings and Queens. Whether it is a quiet evening in the Piazza del Plebiscito, a before-opera experience at Teatro di San Carlo, a shopping spree at the Galleria Umberto or a walk in the picturesque Royal Palace of Naples, you will have a lot to explore near Castel Nuovo. Plan your trip to Naples with your family today and embark on an unforgettable journey.
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Cover Image Credit: IgnisFatuus for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Castel Nuovo
Which is the easiest way to get to Castel Nuovo?
The closest metro station to Castel Nuovo is Line 1 of the Naples metro network. You can easily take a metro from any part of the city, and the metro will directly drop you close to the Castel. From there, it is just a five-minute walk.
Which is the best time to visit Castel Nuovo?
Although the beauty of this place can be admired all year long, if you are a true history buff, then you should visit in the last quarter of the year when the castle and adjoining attractions hold galas and operas that are era-specific every year.
Are there any other places to explore near Castel Nuovo?
Near the castle, there are many beautiful places to swoon over, like the Galleria Umberto, Teatro di San Carlo, Royal Palace of Naples, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the San Domenico Maggiore Church.
How much time does it take to explore the whole Castel?
It depends on the type of tour you would like to have. If you want to take lots of pictures for memories, explore all the points of the castle, and learn about their historical significance, then you need to have a good 4-5 hours at your disposal. Conversely, suppose you are just there to explore the castle and admire its beautiful structure. In that case, you can easily complete the tour within a couple of hours and save time for the other nearby attractions.
Are there any guided tours provided at the Castel?
Yes, the Naples tourism board does provide guides upon arrival at the castle gate, for which you would have to pay extra according to the size of the group you are travelling with. They would help you get the whole flavour of the Italian history associated with Castel Nuovo.
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