The peculiar charm of southern Italy crafts a darkly enchanting fairy-tale world.

By MOOK Editorial Team
 
Many films shot in Italy feature unforgettable scenes—whether it’s the mysteriously glowing Blue Grotto, the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, or the Baroque splendor of Naples. The breathtaking landscapes always leave a lasting impression. The dark fairy-tale film "Tales of the Dark" is one such example. Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone and filmed on location across Italy, it uses multiple castles in southern Italy—including Naples Castle, Castel del Monte, and Donnagratte Castle—to create its unique fairy-tale world.

Naples, the largest city in southern Italy, has long been a target of foreign powers due to its favorable geography and climate. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Lombards and the Byzantine Empire, various peoples have ruled here, each leaving their cultural and lifestyle imprints. Greek, French, and Spanish influences blend seamlessly, with European tastes from the 13th to 18th centuries having the most profound impact. Most of the important architecture seen today was built during this period.

Naples Royal Palace is a prime example of Baroque architecture in Naples. Its façade features eight marble statues symbolizing the Neapolitan monarchy, creating a majestic sight. Originally built in 1600 during Spanish rule, the palace served as the residence of Neapolitan kings until the 18th century, including the French Bourbon dynasty and the Savoy family. Inside, there is a small royal theater and the sizable National Library (Biblioteca Nazionale), which houses over 1.5 million volumes. The palace also displays royal living quarters, salons, bedrooms, as well as medieval furniture, paintings, porcelain, and other artworks.

The Piazza del Plebiscito in front of the palace is grandiose, flanked by impressive semicircular colonnades. At its center stands the San Francesco di Paola church, modeled after Rome’s Pantheon. The church and the residential buildings sloping behind it create a striking contrast in both color and architectural style.

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