Dome

Three of five massive round towers resting on fortifications (dry moat); the marble arch added in 1471 at center; Often called Maschio Angioino (House of Anjou), also Castelnuovo, it is a medieval castle (fortified residence) built in 1281 by the architects Pierre de Chaule (or Chaulnes) and Pierre d’Agincourt for Charles I of Anjou (reigned 1266-1285), who elevated Naples to the status of capital of the Kingdom of Sicily and Naples (later conquered by Spain). Enlarged by Robert I in the Gothic style under the supervision of Giovanni Caracciolo from Isernia and Gualtiero Seripando, ca. 1307-1330. Total remodelling during the 15th century retained only the basic square plan around a large central courtyard; the chapel of St. Barbara, or Palatine Chapel, is the only surviving part of the original castle. A marble triumphal arch was added in ca. 1452-1471. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.oxfordartonline.com/ (accessed 8/1/2013)