Como Palace, Naples

Como Palace is a palace built in the Renaissance style, located in the central historical part of Naples. Since 1888 it was the home of the Italian economist and publicist Gaetano Filangieri.

History of the Como Palace

The construction of the building started in 1404, but the first records of the construction of the new structure date back to 1451, when it was bought by the Italian merchant Angelo Como with the support of his brother Fabio with the goal of expanding his house. During this period, active work began on the construction of the building, a number of artists from all over Italy were called to work. In 1473 the construction was completed.

In 1587, after the decline of the Aragon dynasty, the state of the Como family also declined, then they decided to rent out the palace. In 1587, the building was sold.

In the period from 1815 to 1820, some of the rooms of the palace were used to house a brewery, and in other rooms there were archives of the kingdom.

In 1879 and 1882, fierce controversy erupted over the demolition of the palace, it was connected with the goal of expanding the Via Duomo. Residents and intellectuals of the city rose to defend the structure. Despite disagreements, a compromise was reached: the Como Palace was moved 20 m back and reconstructed again. The project was entrusted to two Italian engineers – Antonio Francesconi and Enrico Albarella. The same decision was made regarding the reconstruction of the Cappella Sansevero, as a result of the repair work it lost the facade in the Baroque style, as well as two chapels on each side.

In the late 19th century, a large-scale reconstruction of the interior of Como Palace was carried out.

After the reconstruction, the headquarters of the private collection of works of art by Gaetano Filangieri Jr. was located in the walls of the Como Palace. In consequence, on the basis of the collection the Filangieri Civic Museum was opened, which is a famous tourist attraction of modern Naples.

During the Second World War the palace did not work, its architecture was practically not damaged. Unfortunately, many historical documents and exhibits of the collection were lost as a result of a fire in 1943 in Sao Paolo Bel Sito, where the exhibition was temporarily stored. The museum resumed its work in 1948.

The last major reconstruction of the palace was held from 1999 to 2012, for 13 years the museum did not work. The grand opening of the palace took place on June 22, 2012.

How to get there

Como Palace in Naples can be reached by public transport, which follows the routes:

• nearest metro station: Porta Nolana;
• buses № 154, 195, 202, 254, 472, 601.