Castello di Acerra
Acerra (NA)
Hidden gemCastles
The story
Built over a Roman theatre, the castle of the Counts dominates the square of Acerra: a mass of tufo (volcanic tuff) among towers and courtyards, where the medieval fortress became a lordly residence.
Access
Check opening hours
The story
The Castle of the Counts of Acerra rises on the remains of an ancient Roman theatre, in the heart of the city. The first records date to the year 826, but it is from the thirteenth century — with Manfred, son of Frederick II — that the castle enters the history of the feudal lords of the Terra di Lavoro. Today its rooms house the Museum of Pulcinella.
What to see
The mass of the castle with its transformations, from the medieval origins on the ancient theatre to the layout of the Counts of Acerra; and, inside, the Museum of Pulcinella, of folklore and peasant civilisation, spread over twelve rooms: costumes, masks and photos of the actors who gave a face to Pulcinella (from Antonio Petito to Massimo Troisi), the monument of Gennaro d'Angelo and the section on the peasant world of the Terra di Lavoro. A building that weaves archaeology, feudal history and popular culture.
Tips
The castle is visited together with the Museum of Pulcinella that it houses: the entrance and hours are those of the museum, to be checked on the official channels. You are in the centre of Acerra, in the hinterland north-east of Naples.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Castle of Acerra?
The castle of the Counts of Acerra, built on the remains of a Roman theatre, with medieval origins (documented from 826); today it houses the Museum of Pulcinella.
What is inside the Castle of Acerra?
The Museum of Pulcinella, of folklore and peasant civilisation: twelve rooms with costumes, masks and photos of the Pulcinella actors (from Petito to Troisi), the monument of Gennaro d'Angelo and the peasant section.
Where is it?
In the centre of Acerra, in the hinterland north-east of Naples.
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