Palazzo d'Avalos
Discover the Historic Charm of Palazzo d'Avalos
Palazzo d'Avalos: A Procidan Landmark
Explore Procida's Palazzo d'Avalos: From noble residence to prison, discover centuries of history and stunning sea views.
Perched atop the highest point of Procida, Palazzo d'Avalos is a historic palace with a storied past, initially built in the 16th century as a noble residence before being transformed into a prison that operated until 1988. Today, it's being redeveloped to welcome tourists and residents.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Palazzo d'Avalos
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Via Largo Castello, Procida, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80079, IT
Saturday
10:30 am-1:30 pm
Sunday
10:30 am-1:30 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the Marina Grande port, follow Via Roma to Piazza della Repubblica. From there, take Via Salita Castello uphill towards Terra Murata. The walk is steep but offers scenic views. Palazzo d'Avalos is located at the end of Via Salita Castello. Expect the walk to take around 20-30 minutes.
Public Transport
From Marina Grande, take the C2 bus towards Terra Murata. The bus will drop you off near Piazza d'Armi, a short walk from Palazzo d'Avalos. Bus tickets cost €1.20 if purchased in advance or €1.40 if purchased on board.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Marina Grande. A taxi to Palazzo d'Avalos costs a fixed fare of €15. Alternatively, consider an Ape Car (three-wheeled taxi) for a unique experience navigating the narrow streets.
Local tips
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Check the Palazzo d'Avalos Association's social media pages for the most up-to-date visiting hours and special events.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves some walking on uneven surfaces.
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Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the island and the Bay of Naples.
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Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
Discover more about Palazzo d'Avalos
Palazzo d'Avalos, situated in Terra Murata, Procida's highest point, is a symbol of the island's rich history. Built in the late 1500s by the d'Avalos family, it served as both a stately residence and a fortress to protect against Saracen pirate raids. The palace's strategic location and imposing structure dominated the island's skyline, reflecting the power of its owners.
In 1736, the palace transitioned to Bourbon ownership, serving as a royal residence and hunting reserve. However, its fate took a dramatic turn at the end of the 18th century when it was converted into a military school and then a prison. For over a century, Palazzo d'Avalos functioned as a penitentiary, witnessing the incarceration of political prisoners and other individuals. The prison closed in 1988 and was abandoned.
Today, Palazzo d'Avalos is owned by the Municipality of Procida and is undergoing redevelopment to make it accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the courtyard, guardhouse, and some individual cells, gaining insight into its past as a prison. The site offers stunning views of the sea and stands as a reminder of Procida's layered history.
A brief summary to Palazzo d'Avalos
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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