In the heart of Posillipo, the captivating peninsula of Naples that extends towards the sea, stands the imposing and mysterious Palazzo Donn’Anna. This captivating edifice, surrounded by legends and secrets, boasts a history filled with intrigue and tragedy, making it a place of great fascination.

The origins of the majestic Palazzo Donn’Anna date back to the late 17th century, when it was erected by the will of Donna Anna Carafa, the illustrious consort of Viceroy Ramiro Núñez de Guzmán, Duke of Medina de las Torres. This grand architectural project was entrusted to the creative genius of one of the most distinguished architects of the era, Cosimo Fanzago, who in 1642 conceived a bold design following the canons of Neapolitan Baroque. His vision included the creation of a dual entrance: one facing the open sea, and the other accessible from a carriage road that traced the splendid coast of Posillipo, leading into the courtyard of the building.
However, a tragic fate awaited this grand endeavor. The construction of Palazzo Donn’Anna necessitated the demolition of a 16th-century residence, Villa Bonifacio. Regrettably, Fanzago could not complete his work due to the untimely death of Donna Anna, which occurred during a turbulent period marked by a popular uprising and the temporary fall of Spanish rule. Donna Anna's husband, the Duke of Medina de las Torres, fled to Madrid in the tumultuous year of 1648.
The unfinished palace, over time, assumed the charm of an ancient ruin, blending harmoniously with the remnants of Roman villas that dot the Posillipo coastline and the intimate caves of the coast. One of the most extraordinary elements within is the theater, which opens towards the sea, offering a spectacular view of the city of Naples. Today, this theater is part of the Ezio De Felice Cultural Foundation, providing guests with a unique experience.

Over the centuries, Palazzo Donn’Anna experienced periods of misfortune. It suffered damage during the 1647 uprising led by Masaniello and was struck by the earthquake of 1688. In the 19th century, the palace changed ownership frequently, with various rightful owners attempting to alter its intended use. It was transformed into a crystal factory in 1824 and later into a hotel when the Geisser family acquired it around 1870. In the years that followed, other owners succeeded them, including the Bank of Italy in 1894 and the Genevois family two years later.
Palazzo Donn’Anna stands as a living testament to the history and beauty of Naples, a place where the past intertwines with the present, and where each stone narrates the captivating events of a bygone era, making this building an authentic jewel of Neapolitan architecture and culture.

The Legend of the Ghosts of Palazzo Donn’Anna: History and Mystery

One of the most eerie legends speaks of Giovanna d’Angiò, a queen who resided in Palazzo Donn’Anna and had the macabre habit of seducing young fishermen from Santa Lucia only to ruthlessly murder her lovers at dawn. It is said that the tormented souls of these young men still wander the underground passages of the palace, emitting spectral cries that unsettle all who hear them.
However, the primary story associated with Palazzo Donn’Anna revolves around Anna Carafa, who inherited the residence at the end of the 17th century. Anna was a proud and jealous woman, and it is said that she had the existing building entirely demolished to construct a new palace that bears her name today. This palace was designed by Cosimo Fanzago in the Neapolitan Baroque style and served as a symbol of power and wealth.

Yet, Palazzo Donn’Anna is also the setting for a tragic love story involving Mercedes de Las Torras and Gaetano di Casapesenna. During a celebration in honor of the palace's opening, Mercedes and Gaetano performed a theatrical drama in which they portrayed lovers. Their passionate portrayal incited fierce jealousy in Anna Carafa, the mistress of the palace. This led to conflicts between Anna and Mercedes, with Mercedes eventually vanishing mysteriously without a trace. It was rumored that she had fallen into the trap of Villa delle Sirene or had taken the veil, but Gaetano fruitlessly searched for her throughout his life.
Legend has it that the ghosts of Anna Carafa and Mercedes continue to haunt Palazzo Donn’Anna, hindering even in death the love between Mercedes and Gaetano. Despite the premature death of Anna Carafa during the uprising led by Masaniello and her husband's flight to Madrid, the building was never completed and remains a symbol of mystery and tragedy.
Today, Palazzo Donn’Anna is divided among different owners and has become a private residence. Its tumultuous history and tales of ghosts make it a captivating place. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, except for access via the private beach along the coast.
Palazzo Donn’Anna is a place of historical interest and mystery that continues to captivate the imagination of anyone who has heard about its legends and turbulent history.