Museo Pignatelli

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  • Address
    Riviera di Chiaia 200, Chiaia
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    761 23 56
  • Transport
    bus: C25 to Riviera di Chiaia
  • Wed-Mon 08:30 - 13:30

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Lonely Planet review

In the early 19th century, Naples was gripped by classical fever. If it was Doric or Ionic, it was in . So when Ferdinand Acton, a minister at the court of King Ferdinand IV (1759-1825), asked Pietro Valente to design Villa Pignatelli in 1826, Valente whipped up this striking Pompeiian lookalike, complete with English garden.

Bought and extended by the Rothschilds in 1841, it became home to the Duke of Monteleone, Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortes in 1867, before his granddaughter Rosina Pignatelli donated it to the state, which opened it (and its treasures) to the public.

The museum is a mix of opulent furniture, art and hunting paraphernalia (including a collection of royal whips). Highlights include the Meissen and Viennese porcelain in the Salotto Verde (Green Room) and the leather-lined smoking room.

The 1st floor features mainly 18th- to 20th-century Neapolitan paintings and busts from the Banco di Napoli's extensive art collection, including Francesco Guarino's chiaroscuro -rich San Giorgio (1645-1650).

The adjoining Museo delle Carrozze contains a collection of 19th- and 20th-century carriages, but is currently closed for restoration.