45 - Francesco Spinelli School of Drawing

Former Palace of the Royal Court

Audio Guide Transcript

For over two centuries, this historic building served as the residence of royal governors—many of whom left traces of their presence in inscriptions still visible both outside and inside the structure. The façade, marked by rustic stonework, likely dates back to the 15th century and was modified in the 16th, as evidenced by the two larger windows with projecting sills to the left of the entrance. In contrast, the three more unadorned windows on the right appear to belong to the earlier century.

The main entrance is framed with smooth radial ashlar work, and at its center sits a heavily worn coat of arms, most likely the city’s emblem. Flanking the doorway are plaques bearing inscriptions now eroded by time.

Climbing the staircase that once led to the Royal Court’s chambers, visitors will notice a baroque-style capital base set into the balustrade.

The spacious ground floor opens on the left to the governor’s private residence and on the right to the former courtroom, once used for administering justice.

The building was later repurposed as a district jail after its use as a royal courthouse. In 1871, it became the home of the Municipal Evening School of Drawing, aimed at training local artisans, stonemasons, and woodworkers. The school’s first director was Francesco Spinelli, commemorated by a plaque in the entrance courtyard. The institution earned recognition at national and international exhibitions, with students awarded in Milan, Turin, and Paris.

Since 2010, the former Royal Court building has been transformed into a public space for youth engagement, culture, and environmental programs.

Use the map to explore

1 - Gentile’s Palace

2 - Church of Saint Francis of Paola

3 - De Marinis Palace

4 - Ventafridda Palace

5 - Chapel of Saint Matthew

6 - Pannone–Ferrara Palace

7 - Tommaso Traetta Theater

8 - Angevin Tower

9 - De Ferraris–Regna Palace

10 - Church of Saint Gaetano

11 - Sylos–Calò Palace

12 - Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna National Gallery

13 - Church of the Souls in Purgatory

14 - Scaraggi–Labini Palace

15 - Santorelli Palace

16 - Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

17 - Convent and Cloister of Saint Francis of Assisi

18 - Diocesan Museum and Hanging Gardens

19 - Bove Chapel – Saint Mary of Compassion

20 - Bove Palace

21 - Chapel of Saint Anne and the Council Hall of the Nobles

22 - Rogadeo Palace

23 - Planelli–Sylos Palace

24 - Vulpano–Sylos Palace

25 - Bove–Planelli–Tèrmite Palace

26 - Church of Saint Dominic

27 - Chapel of the Mysteries

28 - Gentile – Labini – Sylos Palace

29 - Church of Saint Teresa

30 - Carmine Sylos Classical High School

31 - Old Church of Saint Leucius

32 - Franco–Spinelli–Regna Palace

33 - Giannone–Alitti Palace

34 - Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

35 - Crypt of the Cathedral

36 - Early Christian Substructure of the Cathedral

37 - Church of Saint Nicholas of the Hospital

38 - De Lerma Palace

39 - Church of Saint Sylvester

40 - Monastery of Saint Mary of the Virgins

41 - Barone – Gentile – Sisto Palace

42 - Albuquerque Palace

43 - Church of Saint Valentine

44 - Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

45 - Francesco Spinelli School of Drawing

46 - Cioffrese Palace

47 - Chapel of the De Ìlderis Family and Agèra Gallery

48 - Battle Academy Museum

49 - Church and Cloister of Saint Peter the New

50 - Sylos–Sersale Palace

51 - Church of Saint George

52 - “Spazi della Memoria” Museum

53 - Church of the Annunciation

54 - “De Palo – Ungaro” Archaeological Museum

55 - Nicola Fornelli School Building

56 - Church of Saint Vitus

57 - Convent of Saint Leo the Great

58 - Church of the Crucifix

59 - Church of Mary Most Holy of the Immaculate Conception

60 - Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

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