I am not very good at retaining historical facts, but I love venturing around museums, listening to stories of the past and admiring a range of artistry skills. But I do have to spread out the museum visits because, while my husband doesn’t mind going, him and my son both prefer not too. So a friend (who’s family is also not a huge fan of museums) and I joined a small tour to explore the Capodimonte Museum in Naples on a Friday afternoon. Who better than to overload us with information than a guide who grew up walking through the grounds every day because it was basically his “backyard.”

The Museum and the Royal Wood of Capodimonte are located on one of the hills that surround the city of Naples. The Palace has one of the most important art collections in Italy and is set in the middle of a park of rare beauty and botanical diversity… Originally an 18th century hunting reserve for Charles of Bourbon, “Capo di Monte” was a royal residence for three dynasties. The museum has hosted art collections ever since the king transferred the Farnese Collection, inherited from his mother Elisabeth, here from Rome. Over time the collection has been enriched with works from Neapolitan churches and convents and by the donations of private collectors, and it was also an integral part of the Grand Tour of Italy. The National Museum of Capodimonte was opened to the public in 1957 with what was a very modern exhibition at the time. The Royal Wood was expertly designed by Ferdinando Sanfelice. The ancient buildings still visible today include the Real fabbrica della porcellana– the royal porcelain factory- which was already producing what is still known as Capodimonte Porcelain in 1743. Capodimonte has many different souls and all are worth a visit. The three floors of the museum look back on the last 700 years of European art with works ranging from Caravaggio to Andy Warhol, Titian to Raphael, and Botticelli to Kounellis. Walking through a mix of lavish environments and private spaces, you will be able to admire paintings, works of art and furnishings, porcelain, arms, silks, and tapestries. Getting lost among the paths and clearings of the Wood that embraces the Palace is just as enjoyable. The 134 hectare park is home to over 400 plant species and 16 historic buildings residences, country houses, workshops, depots and churches…

https://www.coopculture.it/en/poi/museum-and-royal-wood-of-capodimonte/

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