Headquarters of the archaeological museum, the art gallery, and the enchanting Neapolitan-style garden.
Built by the Lord of Vasto, Giacomo Caldora, around 1427 on gardens that previously belonged to the Augustinian convent, the palace became property of the Marquis d’Avalos in 1496. The d’Avalos family maintained the late Gothic structure of the palace, still visible today in some details brought to light by recent restorations, but they developed and enlarged the building, making it the center of their power.
Unfortunately, in 1566, the palace was set on fire by the Ottomans who had entered the city to plunder it under the command of Piyale Pasha. The Marquis of Vasto rebuilt it a few years later in its current form, starting with the west façade facing Piazza Lucio Valeri Pudente. This is undoubtedly the most significant from an architectural point of view, reminiscent of the sixteenth-century style of Roman palaces.
Marquis Cesare Michelangelo d’Avalos made significant improvements to the palace, adding a theater on the ground floor and the monumental staircase that now leads to the art gallery. In the second half of the 18th century, his heirs probably entrusted the architect Mario Gioffredo, the same attributed to the project of the Carmine church, with the arrangement of the north side.
At the end of the century, the loggias and terraces on the side facing the sea were arranged, along with the Neapolitan-style garden. Today, this is perhaps the most interesting point of the complex for the atmosphere created by the pergola supported by brick columns and Neapolitan ceramics, the enchanting view of the Gulf of Vasto, and the architectural evidence of the original palace, including a beautiful flamboyant Gothic bifora.
After the end of the marquisate, declared in 1808, the d’Avalos withdrew to Naples. The palace was sold to private individuals and divided into apartments and shops. For many years, a cinema was hosted in its theater. In 1974, it was almost entirely acquired by the municipality of Vasto and converted into a museum. Today, it houses the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Costume, and the Art Gallery. The Neapolitan-style garden is part of the museum’s tour but also hosts various summer events. The courtyard of the palace is sometimes the venue for concerts.
The palace was almost completely restored by the municipality of Vasto in the 1990s. Not entirely because the northeast corner, with the large terrace overlooking the sea, is still privately owned. Therefore, if you ever dream of living in Vasto in the palace of its Marquises, know that it is still a reachable dream!
