Palazzo Serra di Cassano, Baroque palace in Monte di Dio district, Naples, Italy
Palazzo Serra di Cassano is a Baroque palace in the Monte di Dio district of Naples, featuring two entrances with paired curved staircases that ascend toward an octagonal courtyard with light stone finishes and arched passages. The interior arrangement creates a sense of geometric order while the courtyard provides natural light and ventilation throughout the building's multiple levels.
Constructed in 1730 by architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, the palace was commissioned by the Serra family, a Genoese banking dynasty that settled in Naples. The building emerged during the height of Baroque design in the southern Italian kingdom, reflecting the wealth and status of its original patrons.
The palace now hosts the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies, creating a living connection between its aristocratic past and today's intellectual life. You can walk through rooms where scholars and thinkers work, giving the space a contemplative character that honors both its heritage and current purpose.
Visiting requires advance arrangement, so reaching out beforehand is necessary to confirm access and learn about tour options available. The staff can advise on accessibility conditions and help plan your visit to fit your schedule and interests.
One entrance on Via Egiziaca has remained sealed since 1799, marking the execution of Gennaro Serra during the Neapolitan Republic period. This locked doorway serves as a quiet but tangible reminder of a tragic moment that changed the family's story.
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