Palazzo Serra di Cassano (Serra di Cassano Palace), Naples

Serra di Cassano Palace was erected in the early 18th century for the noble Serra di Cassano family.
The family had economic interests in banking, insurance and law. The history of the palace is closely linked to the political upheavals of the late 18th century, particularly the events of 1799, when the short-lived Neapolitan Republic challenged Bourbon rule. Gennaro Serra di Cassano, a member of the family, was executed for his involvement in the republican movement.

The highlight of the palace is the Monumental Staircase, designed by the architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, which you pass on your way to the courtyard. The staircase is made up of two ramps and immediately draws the eye thanks to the strong colour contrast between the dark grey piperno stone and the brilliant white marble of the balustrades. It is designed to appear as though it is floating, with “bridge” landings that allow light to flood the space from the windows above. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful staircases in Naples.

By climbing the staircase, you reach the first floor, which now serves as the headquarters of the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies. The ducal apartments of the palace were acquired by the Italian state in 1983 with the aim of preserving them and opening them to a wider public. Inside, the numerous halls, decorated with frescoes and artworks, reflect the tastes of Neapolitan nobility.

The mansion once housed one of the finest libraries in Naples. The contents of the library were sold to Viscount Spencer in the 19th century, and a portion of the collection is now held at Althorp, the country home of the family of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.