The unique charm of Southern Italy crafts a darkly enchanting fairy-tale world

By MOOK Editorial Team
 
Many movies filmed in Italy feature unforgettable scenes—whether it’s the mysterious glow of the Blue Grotto, the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast with its azure waters, or the baroque splendor of Naples. The breathtaking landscapes are always impressive. *The Other Fairytale*, a dark fantasy film, is one such example. Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone and shot on location across Italy, it weaves together multiple castles in Southern Italy—including Naples Castle, Castel del Monte, and Donnagatta Castle—to create a truly unique fairy-tale world.

Naples, the largest city in Southern Italy, has long been a target of foreign invasions due to its favorable geography and climate—from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Lombards and the Byzantine Empire. Each civilization left its mark on the city’s culture and lifestyle, blending Greek, French, and Spanish influences. Particularly from the 13th to 18th centuries, European tastes had the most profound impact, with many of the city’s most important buildings constructed during this period.

Naples Royal Palace is a prime example of Baroque architecture in the city. Its façade features eight majestic marble statues representing the rulers of the Naples dynasty. Originally built in 1600 during Spanish rule, the palace served as the residence of Naples’ kings until the 18th century, including the French Bourbon dynasty and the House of Savoy. Inside, there’s a small royal theater, as well as the sizable National Library (Biblioteca Nazionale), which houses over 1.5 million volumes. The palace also displays the living quarters, salons, and bedrooms of past monarchs, along with medieval furniture, paintings, porcelain, and other art collections.

The Piazza del Plebiscito in front of the palace is grand and imposing, flanked by magnificent 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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