Caracciolo di Avellino Palace

Palazzo Caracciolo di Avellino is a historic building located in the heart of Naples, specifically in largo Proprio d’Avellino, near via dell’Anticaglia. This palace, dating back to the late 14th century, was an important aristocratic residence and has witnessed centuries of history, architectural transformations, and cultural changes within its walls. The palace was originally built by the Gambacorta family and later adapted by the architect Giacomo de Santis to become the residence of the Caracciolo family, one of the most influential noble families of the Kingdom of Naples. The structure underwent various renovations over the centuries, the most significant of which took place in 1612 when it was expanded and the large open staircase was built in the original courtyard, giving it the monumental appearance that we can still admire today. One of the most fascinating architectural elements of the palace is the inner courtyard, surrounded by a two-tiered loggia. This space, characterized by elegant arches and a mosaic floor made of pebbles, is a perfect example of how Renaissance architecture integrated with the emerging Baroque taste of the time. The courtyard represents the heart of the palace, a place of meeting and representation, where the main social activities of the family took place. The noble floor of the palace is decorated with frescoes and stuccoes of extraordinary beauty, created by renowned artists of the time. The rooms are adorned with mythological scenes, landscapes, and portraits that tell not only the story of the Caracciolo family, but also that of the Kingdom of Naples. Among the most famous works are the Baroque and Rococo trompe-l’oeil, which emerge from under layers of plaster and wallpaper, revealing a palette of mauve, moss green, and ochre. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the palace experienced periods of abandonment and decay, but also saw initiatives of recovery and restoration. In 1996, Maurizio Morra Greco began acquiring individual units of the palace, managing to reassemble an entire wing of the building in 2007. Thanks to these efforts, the palace became the headquarters of the Morra Greco Foundation in 2003, hosting an intense program of exhibitions and artistic residencies since 2006. The Morra Greco Foundation played a fundamental role in the cultural revival of the palace, promoting contemporary creativity through the organization of events, exhibitions, and artist residencies. The spaces of the palace, including the underground areas with vaulted tuff ceilings reminiscent of a tunnel entrance, have been restored to host artworks and installations, creating a continuous dialogue between past and present. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to the palace concerns the discovery, during recent restorations, of an ancient Greek wall, a reminder of Naples’ deep historical roots. This finding has added further charm and complexity to the already rich history of the palace, directly connecting it to the origins of the city.