Built around 1427 by Giacomo Caldora, the lord of Vasto, on land previously owned by the Augustinian convent, Palazzo d’Avalos became the property of the Marquises d’Avalos in 1496. While the d’Avalos family preserved the late Gothic structure of the palace—details of which are still visible today thanks to recent restorations—they expanded and enhanced the building, transforming it into the center of their power.
In 1566, the palace was tragically set on fire by the Ottomans, who invaded and plundered the city under the orders of Pialì Pasha. A few years later, the Marquises of Vasto rebuilt it in its current form, beginning with the west-facing façade overlooking Piazza Lucio Valerio Pudente. This façade, the most architecturally significant, reflects the sixteenth-century style of Roman palaces.
Marquis Cesare Michelangelo d’Avalos made notable improvements to the palace, adding a theater on the ground floor and constructing the grand staircase that now leads to the art gallery. Later, during the second half of the eighteenth century, his heirs likely entrusted the redesign of the northern side to the architect Mario Gioffredo, who is also credited with designing the nearby Carmine Church.
By the end of the century, the palace saw the addition of loggias, terraces facing the sea, and a garden in the Neapolitan style. Today, this garden is perhaps the most captivating feature of the complex, with its pergola supported by brick columns, decorative Neapolitan majolica tiles, stunning views of the Gulf of Vasto, and remnants of the original palace, including a splendid mullioned window in flamboyant Gothic style.
After the abolition of the marquisate in 1808, the d’Avalos family relocated to Naples. The palace was sold to private owners and divided into apartments and shops. For many years, a cinema operated in its former theater. In 1974, the Municipality of Vasto acquired most of the complex and converted it into a museum.
Today, Palazzo d’Avalos houses the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Costume, and the Art Gallery.
The Neapolitan-style garden is part of the museum tour and also serves as a venue for summer events. Meanwhile, the palace courtyard occasionally hosts concerts.
The palace underwent extensive restoration by the Municipality of Vasto in the 1990s. However, it remains only partially restored, as the north-east corner, featuring a large terrace overlooking the sea, is still privately owned. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of living in Vasto—in the historic palace of its Marquises—know that it’s still a dream within reach!
