Palais de l'Université de Naples - Frédéric II

Palazzo dell'Università of the University of Naples Federico II is a Neobaroque palace with a rusticated base, large arched windows, and Corinthian pilasters adorned with travertine slabs. The building spans across a considerable width and houses university administration offices along with several faculty departments.

Architects Pierpaolo Quaglia and Guglielmo Melisurgo designed this educational palace between 1897 and 1908 to accommodate the growing number of students. The project was part of Naples' modernization efforts at the end of the 1800s.

The central bronze relief by Francesco Jerace shows Emperor Frederick II founding the university, surrounded by figures representing academic disciplines. The placement on the main facade tells visitors about the origins of this important educational institution.

The building houses administration and teaching facilities, accessible through the Università station on Metro Line 1. Visitors should know that much of the building remains in active university use and access to some areas may be limited.

A monumental staircase called Scalone della Minerva connects the modern buildings with the original Jesuit complex while spanning a height difference of roughly 7 meters. This staircase is architecturally notable because it elegantly links the two different construction phases together.