The Castel Nuovo or Maschio Angioino, Italy

The Castel Nuovo or Maschio Angioino is a medieval castle located in the city of Naples, southern Italy. The castle was built by Charles I of Anjou between 1279 and 1282, while the construction of the castle directed architects Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d'Angicourt. In the early 14th century the Castel Nuovo was enlarged under King Robert of Anjou (from 1309 to 1343) but it was sacked in 1347 by forces of Louis I of Hungary.



Soon afterwards the castle was restored and managed to withstand the second siege of Louis I as well as all the other sieges in the following years. In 1399 the Castel Nuovo became the official residence of Ladislas(Lancelot) of Naples but it fell into decay under his successor Joan II of Naples (1414-1435). In 1442 the castle passed to the Aragonese dynasty which erected the Triumphal Arch between 1455 and 1468. After the annexation of Naples by Spain in 1494 the castle became an important military fortress and in the following centuries served also as the temporary residence of the Spanish kings during their visits to Naples. From 16th to 18th century the castle was several times renovated and modified but in the first half of the 20th century it was restored in its 15th century appearance and is today opened for the public.