Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ vast central square, near the waterfront and between the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. The basilica’s curved colonnade and dome face the palace’s façade, where statues of Neapolitan kings stand above the entrance. The square takes its name from the 1860 plebiscite that joined the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with the Kingdom of Italy. Come to study the architecture, try the local blindfolded walking challenge, or continue on foot to Teatro di San Carlo and Galleria Umberto I.
The square and its landmarks
Piazza del Plebiscito lies near the waterfront, between the old town and Via Toledo. Its wide, open space is framed by the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, and two symmetrical buildings, Palazzo Salerno and the Prefecture. The basilica’s semicircular colonnade gives the square a distinctive shape, with its dome rising above the columns.
The basilica’s design draws on the Pantheon in Rome. Across the square, the Royal Palace has statues of Neapolitan monarchs on its façade. Together, the two buildings make the piazza a useful place to take in Naples’ royal and religious architecture from outside.
The name and the blindfolded challenge
The square’s name refers to the plebiscite held on October 21, 1860, which approved the union of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with the Kingdom of Italy. Its history also includes use for military ceremonies and public events; today, it can host concerts and other gatherings.
A local challenge plays on the square’s scale and layout. With your back to the Royal Palace, close your eyes and try to walk toward the colonnade, passing between the equestrian statues. The open space makes the attempt harder than it may seem.
What to see nearby
Teatro di San Carlo is close by, as is Galleria Umberto I, the historic shopping arcade. The square also sits within walking distance of other central Naples sights, including Castel Nuovo and the Quartieri Spagnoli. Its location makes it a practical stop on a walk through the city, whether you pause to look at the buildings or continue toward the nearby streets.
Häufige Fragen
What is Piazza del Plebiscito known for?
It is a large central square framed by the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. The basilica is known for its neoclassical colonnade and Pantheon-inspired design.
Why is it called Piazza del Plebiscito?
The name refers to the plebiscite of October 21, 1860, which approved the union of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with the Kingdom of Italy.
How long should I spend at Piazza del Plebiscito?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes to walk across the square, look at the surrounding buildings, and try the blindfolded challenge.
What can I visit near Piazza del Plebiscito?
Teatro di San Carlo and Galleria Umberto I are nearby. Castel Nuovo and the Quartieri Spagnoli are also within walking distance.
