Museum and Real Bosco of Capodimonte – Naples

The complex, on a hill in the area nearby Naples, was originally conceived as a hunting reserve of King Charles of Bourbon; over the centuries, it was also the royal residence of the French sovereigns Giuseppe Bonaparte and Gioacchino Murat and for the Savoy family after the Unification of Italy. The place began to host masterpieces when Charles of Bourbon inherited a large collection of works of art from his mother, Elisabetta Farnese; he then moved everything to Naples in 1735. Over time, the collection was expanded by new acquisitions due to the interests and legacies of royal families, but also thanks to the demanialization of ecclesiastic goods coming from Neapolitan churches and convents, and gifts from private collectors.

During the Grand Tour, the complex of Capodimonte was among the most visited by the noble and wealthy travelers coming from all over Europe, who appreciated both the architectural monumentality and the historical and artistic heritage, as well as the natural beauty of the immense park. The museum, full of original furnishings and objects, was inaugurated in the mid-twentieth century and today includes luxurious environments, such as the Hall of the Cradle and the Hall of Festivals, and private places such as the Alcova Pompeiana.

The Real Bosco, large 134 hectares, houses more than 400 plant species, including rare and exotic specimens such as camphor and camellias from Asia, magnolias and taxodes of the Americas and Australian eucalyptus. The avenues of the park, designed by the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, are lined with 17 historic buildings including residences, casinos, workshops, warehouses and churches, as well as fountains and statues, vegetable gardens and orchards. In 2014 the Real Bosco of Capodimonte was elected the most beautiful park in Italy.

The Royal Palace of Capodimonte, where the Museum is hosted.

Info

Museum and Real Bosco of Capodimonte
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Perugino’s masterpieces preserved here:

Madonna with Child