Porta Capuana, Naples

Immediately next to the Castello Capuano there is the Porta Capuana which was built in 1484 on the design of Giuliano da Maiano. The impressive triumphal renaissance arch was put between two imposing cylindrical Aragon towers, known as Honor and Virtue. Following the enlargement of the city walls, as ordered by Ferdinando I of Aragon, the city gate was built by moving forward the previous gate which was nearer the castle. The outside side was dressed with white marble and takes on a particularly elegant appearance and creates a strong contrast with the darkness of towers at its side. The marble group of the, "Coronation of Ferdinando I" positioned in the arch of the gate were replaced on the entrance of Carlo V in Naples in 1535 and the coat of arms of the emperor.