Palazzo Serra di Cassano

Palazzo Serra di Cassano, located in the historic Via Monte di Dio, represents one of the most fascinating examples of Neapolitan noble architecture of the 18th century. Its construction was commissioned by the Duke of Cassano, Nicola Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona, and the project was entrusted to the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, one of the most brilliant figures of Neapolitan Baroque. The palace is known not only for its architectural beauty, but also for its historical significance, linked to the events of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799. In fact, the palace was the center of revolutionary activities of Neapolitan patriots, who dreamed of transforming Naples into a republic following the French and American models. Among the protagonists of that period was also the young Gennaro Serra di Cassano, son of the duke, who paid with his life for his political commitment. The facade of Palazzo Serra di Cassano is a masterpiece of elegance and harmonious proportions, with an imposing entrance portal surmounted by a balcony and flanked by Doric columns. Above the portal, the coat of arms of the Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona family stands as a testament to their ancient nobility. The inner courtyard is characterized by an imposing double-ramp staircase, another distinctive feature of Ferdinando Sanfelice’s style. The stairs seem to float in space, creating a scenographic effect that fascinates and astonishes visitors. Inside, the palace is a triumph of frescoes, stuccoes, and Baroque decorations. The main rooms are richly furnished with period furniture, paintings, and tapestries that tell the story of the Serra di Cassano family and 18th-century Naples. Among the works of art stand out the paintings of important Neapolitan artists and the sculptures that adorn the halls and corridors. The palace library, with its inlaid wooden shelves and ancient volumes, is another gem of this extraordinary building. A significant episode in the history of the palace is linked to the duke’s decision to wall up the main gate facing Via Monte di Dio, as a protest against the execution of his son Gennaro and the Bourbon restoration. This symbolic gesture represented the closure of the palace to public life for many years, a sign of mourning and dissent that deeply marked the history of the family and the palace itself. Palazzo Serra di Cassano is not only a historic monument, but also a lively and active place. Today, it houses the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies, founded in 1975 by Gerardo Marotta. This institute has become an international center of excellence for research and dissemination of philosophy, history, and the humanities. Its rooms host conferences, seminars, and meetings with scholars from around the world, contributing to keeping alive the intellectual tradition of Naples. The Institute for Philosophical Studies also houses a rich library, with over 300,000 volumes, including manuscripts, incunabula, and first editions of rare works. This collection is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers, who find in the palace a place for study and reflection. The presence of the institute has given new life to the palace, making it a cultural reference point for the city of Naples.