Background

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.

4.3

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.

A brief summary to Palazzo d'Avalos

  • Via Largo Castello, Procida, Metropolitan City of Naples, 80079, IT
  • +393333510701
  • Saturday 10:30 am-1:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Palazzo d'Avalos Association's social media pages for the most up-to-date visiting hours and special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves some walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the island and the Bay of Naples.
  • Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
widget icon

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.

Unlock the Best of Palazzo d'Avalos

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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.

Popular Experiences near Palazzo d'Avalos

Popular Hotels near Palazzo d'Avalos

Select Currency