Between the Naples seafront and Via Toledo there is the large Piazza Plebiscito, one of the symbols of the city together with the Maschio Angioino.
On both sides of the square are the Royal Palace of Naples and the Royal Pontifical Basilica of San Francesco da Paola.
To get to Piazza Plebiscito, take the metro line 1 and get off at Piazza Municipio, then walk along Via San Carlo, pass Piazza Trieste e Trento and you’re there.
The ANM R1 and R3 buses stop at Via San Carlo, while the ANM C4 stops at Piazza Trieste e Trento.
On the side of Piazza Plebiscito that overlooks Piazza Trieste e Trento is the majestic Royal Palace, built in 1600 on the initiative of the Spanish viceroys, of whom it was the residence for over 150 years. It was designed in late Renaissance style by the architect Domenico Fontana, and later expanded and remodeled in Baroque style by the Bourbons, of whom it was the royal residence. In the 19th century, after a fire, it was again retouched in neoclassical style.
Today, the Royal Palace can be visited: the Historic Apartment used as a museum, the Royal Apartment consisting of various rooms, the Courtyard of Honour from which you can access the Royal Gardens, other courtyards and the hanging gardens with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples.
The nearby Teatro San Carlo is also part of the Royal Palace complex.
After passing Piazza del Plebiscito, at Via Monte di Dio 14 there is one of the entrances to the underground Bourbon Gallery.
On the opposite side of the Royal Palace, in Piazza Plebiscito, there is the neoclassical Royal Pontifical Basilica of San Francesco da Paola, commissioned by King Ferdinand I as a thank you to the saint who had ensured that the Bourbon crown was restored.
The construction of the basilica by the architect Pietro Bianchi began in 1816 and ended in 1846.
The basilica and the external Ionic colonnade are inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the interior is enriched by many sculptures and paintings from the nineteenth century. Before reaching the main altar, we find various chapels embellished with frescoes, sculptures and paintings.
Entrance to the basilica is free.
Doppiavù Snc – P.IVA 03721200651 – Camera di Commercio di Salerno – REA SA-316131
Project co-financed by
European Regional Development Fund
Made with the co-financing of the European Union, the Italian State and the Campania Region, as part of the POR Campania FESR 2014-2020.
Project co-financed by
European Regional Development Fund
Made with the co-financing of the European Union, the Italian State and the Campania Region, as part of the POR Campania FESR 2014-2020.
