Palazzo Serra di Cassano — il portone chiuso dal 1799
Napoli (NA)
Hidden gemCastles
The story
On 20 August 1799 Gennaro Serra di Cassano was executed in Piazza Mercato for the Repubblica Napoletana. His father had the palace's monumental door barred. It has never been reopened since.
Access
Seat of the Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Filosofici. Guided visits by appointment (tel. 081 7642652), usually free. It is also the entrance to the Via delle Memorie route of the Galleria Borbonica
The story
Palazzo Serra di Cassano, on via Monte di Dio at Pizzofalcone, is one of the masterpieces of the Neapolitan eighteenth century, the work of Ferdinando Sanfelice. Its main door, on via Egiziaca, has been closed since 1799: the prince had it shut in sign of mourning for his son Gennaro Serra di Cassano, a young patriot executed after the Neapolitan Republic, and since then it has never been reopened.
What to see
The monumental double-flight staircase, in piperno and white marble, among the most scenic in Naples, and the rooms of the ducal apartment, today the seat of the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies. A palace that joins great architecture and civic memory.
Tips
The apartment and the staircase are visited as part of the activities of the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies, which has its seat there: check openings, events and arrangements on the official channels. You enter from the entrance on via Monte di Dio, not from the door on via Egiziaca, closed since 1799.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the door of Palazzo Serra di Cassano closed?
It has been barred since 1799 in sign of mourning for Gennaro Serra di Cassano, a young patriot executed after the Neapolitan Republic; since then it has never been reopened.
What is there to see at Palazzo Serra di Cassano?
The monumental double-flight staircase in piperno and white marble by Sanfelice and the rooms of the ducal apartment, seat of the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies.
Can you visit Palazzo Serra di Cassano?
Yes, as part of the activities of the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies: it is best to check openings and events on the official channels; you enter from via Monte di Dio.
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