Home » Short Breaks » Articles » Naples » Capodimonte National Museum of Art in Naples

Capodimonte National Museum of Art in Naples

22nd February 2007

The Museum of Capodimonte is one of the most important centres of Italian artistic heritage in the country, and holds some of the most significant works of art to have been created in Europe.

Built in 1738 on the orders of the future King Charles III of Spain, the museum was designed by Giovanni Antonio Medrano, the man responsible for Naples' Teatro San Carlo, which had opened a year earlier.

Holding over 3,000 paintings, the museum is also home to some of the great works of the Capodimonte porcelain tradition. The Capodimonte's Sala di Porcellana features wall-to-wall collections of the ceramic material.

The museum's main artistic displays are centred on works collected from the 16th to the 18th centuries that make up the Farnese collection. Pieces from Michelangelo and Da Vinci are among the collection's highlights.

The later Bourbon collection was in part acquired from collections around Europe and includes works such as Mantegna's Saint Eufemia.

Other collections feature selections of Renaissance armour as well as ivory and crystal pieces, while the Capodimonte's restoration rooms provide a unique insight into the process of repairing damaged masterworks. The museum remains a must-see for any visitors interested in the Italian masters and their finest works.

© Adfero Ltd

Recommended Naples Breaks

4* Jolly Naples Hotel from £509
4 Star
The Jolly Naples Hotel is a modern hotel with 30 floors - the tallest hotel in Italy! The hotel is 700 metres from the harbour and close to Beverello Pier (where the hydrofoil... More Info

5* Grand Hotel Parkers Napoli from £539
5 Star
The Grand Hotel Parkers Napoli is an elegant hotel with 81 luxury bedrooms and suites. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and a Spa. The hotel is in the centre of Naples, in the... More Info