Post by Charles II on Dec 9, 2008 23:43:03 GMT
Castel Nuovo was built under the direction of Charles II's father. The imposing stone structure rests on a hill overlooking the harbor of Naples, and within sight of Mt. Vesuvius. The castle is built four-square around a central courtyard with towers at each corner. A parapet lines the top of the castle wall. The garrison of the castle consists of 500 men, but more can be called up from the city. Trubuchets guard the tops of each tower. The parapets extend out beyond the edge of the walls to discourage scaling ladders and siege towers. In addition to the walls themselves and the archers lining the parapets, vats of boiling pitch can be employed.