Capodimonte Museum and Royal Palace

Description

If you could only see one museum in Naples, two would come to mind. The National Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum and Royal Palace. Art or Archaeology, the choice is yours. A little less accessible than the Archaeological Museum, Capodimonte is more than worth the trip. In fact, a few hours might do nothing more than peak your interest.

Set in Reggia di Capodimonte, an 18th century Bourbon palace on top of Capodimonte Hill, Capodimonte opened in May 1957. Spread over three floors, the museum's permanent collections include the Farnese Collection and the Royal Apartment, the Neapolitan Collection with works by such masters as Titian and Caravaggio, a collection of 19th century works of art, and a contemporary art collection. In fact, Capodimonte was the first museum in Naples to dedicate a space entirely to contemporary art and it is still the only ancient art museum in Italy that has a section of contemporary art.

The museum's collections are quite extensive so plan to spend several hours in the museum and allow some time to wander the museum's grounds, Real Bosco di Capodimonte - Capodimonte Park.