Palazzo degli Studi, Naples
Palazzo degli Studi is a palace in the central part of Naples, located on the Museum Square and is a home to the archaeological museum of the city. The building was created in 1586. The building of Palazzo degli Studi is an architectural gem of Naples and one of the city's attractions.
History of Palazzo degli Studi
The Palazzo degli Studi was built in 1586 with the aim of placing cavalry barracks in it. It is situated immediately outside the walls of the ancient city. The construction work was very slow, due to the lack of water in this part of Naples. The building of the barracks was much smaller than the modern museum.
Reconstruction of the building was carried out in 1612, by the architect Giulio Cesare Fontana. A large central atrium was included in the composition, nowadays it is the main entrance to the museum. Also, significant work was done to reconstruct the facade, during this period it was decorated with two large marble columns, many windows and other decorative items. In 1615, an unfinished building was opened.
In 1799, a new grandiose project to expand the palace was approved, the author was the architect Francesco Maresca. The project became the largest reconstruction in the history of the palazzo, for its implementation it was decided to demolish two monasteries and even a church that was located nearby. However, a number of events prevented the implementation of the plan.
In general, the work on the construction and reconstruction of the museum was conducted throughout its history. Finally, the construction was completed in 1920, after 335 years of active work. The grand opening of the museum building took place in 1929. However, the building and the museum collection located in it were badly damaged during the earthquake of 1930.
During the Second World War, the Palazzo degli Studi remained virtually untouched.
Throughout the 20th century, work was regularly carried out on the reconstruction of the palace, the last of which took place in 2010.
How to get there
Palazzo degli Studi is located in the central part of the city, close to the main sights of Naples. You can get here by public transport, which follows the routes:
- metro Line 1 (stop – Museo);
- buses № 147, 168, 178, 182, 184.
