Porta Capuana, Naples

The city gates Porta Capuana are situated in the north western part of Naples. In the 15th century the gates served as one of the entrances to the city. They got the name because of the nearby castle. The gate is easy to recognize thanks to two large towers. In addition, the gates are in the area of the same name.

History of the gates Porta Capuana

As a result of the expansion of the eastern borders of Naples in the 15th century, it was decided to build a city gate. This happened in 1484 on the orders of King Ferdinand I. Today the gates are called Porta Capuana. In those days the gates served not only the entrance to the city, but also were at the intersection of important trade routes.

In 1656, a fresco depicting the Archangel Michael was made on the door inside the niche. It was created in order to drive away the plague. The fresco suffered under the influence of time. In 1837, Gennaro Maldarelli worked on the fresco. Since then, a fresco of the Immaculate Conception is in that place.

Architecture of the gates

At the entrance there are two hollow towers. They are called Honor and Dignity. You should pay attention to the engraved coat of arms of Charles V that is in the center of the door. It symbolizes 1535, when the king visited Naples.

In addition, several other towers were preserved, located near the adjacent streets, as well as the remains of ancient walls. Earlier they led to the gates Porta San Gennaro that has survived to this day. It is not far from Piazza Cavour.

How to get there

The city gates Porta Capuana in Naples is in a walking distance from Naples Train Station. This is the central station. You need to move from the station towards the street of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Then cross this street and go along Via Alessandro Poerio.