The castle was built in the 12th Century by William I of Altavilla and restored by Charles of Anjou during the 13th Century. It became a royal residence in 1484 and in 1540 it was the seat of the Law Courts under Don Pedro di Toledo, Viceroy of Naples. The Hall of the Court of Appeal has 18th Century works by Antonio Cacciapuoti and the Hall of Busts has busts of the princes of the Forum of Naples. The walls of the 16th Century Sommaria Chapel are decorated by Pietro Ruviale with plasterwork and frescoes.
