Royal Palace of Naples
|
By Dion Protani
|
Latest update: 17 January 2024
|
|
Dominating Piazza del Plebiscito in central Naples at 169 metres long, the Royal Palace of Naples was designed by Domenico Fontaine in the Renaissance style and building work started in 1600.
The façade was completed in 1616 while frescoes and other decorations were completed in 1644 but the palace received additional improvements in the 18th and 19th centuries. A fire damaged the building in 1837 and the architect Gaetano Genovese repaired it in the neoclassical style. |
|
The Royal Palace of Naples was the royal residence and seat of power in southern Italy for three centuries; first the Spanish, then Austrians, Bourbons and the House of Savoy. In 1919 part of the palace became a historical museum called, Museo del Palazzo Reale, and visitors can marvel at the furnishings, tapestries, porcelain and other artworks.
Related links
Profile
The Royal Palace of Naples, also known as the Palazzo Reale di Napoli in Italian, is a historic and majestic palace located in Naples, Italy. It served as the residence of the Spanish and later the Bourbon monarchs who ruled over the Kingdom of Naples, making it one of the most significant royal residences in Italy.
The Royal Palace of Naples is an imposing architectural masterpiece, blending various styles from different periods, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical. The palace's façade is adorned with statues and elegant decorations, while its interior boasts opulent rooms, grand halls, and stunning artwork.
Visitors to the palace can explore a series of beautifully furnished apartments, including the Throne Room, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Royal Chapel. The Hall of Hercules houses remarkable frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
The palace is surrounded by the Piazza del Plebiscito, a vast square that is one of the city's main gathering places and offers fantastic views of the Bay of Naples.
The Royal Palace of Naples is an imposing architectural masterpiece, blending various styles from different periods, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical. The palace's façade is adorned with statues and elegant decorations, while its interior boasts opulent rooms, grand halls, and stunning artwork.
Visitors to the palace can explore a series of beautifully furnished apartments, including the Throne Room, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Royal Chapel. The Hall of Hercules houses remarkable frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
The palace is surrounded by the Piazza del Plebiscito, a vast square that is one of the city's main gathering places and offers fantastic views of the Bay of Naples.
History
The history of the Royal Palace of Naples dates back to the 17th century when it was commissioned by the Spanish Viceroy Pedro Álvarez de Toledo. Construction began in 1600 and continued for several decades under the direction of different architects, resulting in a mix of architectural styles.
Throughout the centuries, the palace served as the residence of various ruling monarchs, including the Spanish Habsburgs and the Bourbon dynasty. It was the official seat of the Bourbon Kings of Naples, who later became the Kings of the Two Sicilies after the unification of the southern and northern Italian states.
Throughout the centuries, the palace served as the residence of various ruling monarchs, including the Spanish Habsburgs and the Bourbon dynasty. It was the official seat of the Bourbon Kings of Naples, who later became the Kings of the Two Sicilies after the unification of the southern and northern Italian states.
Key features
- Opening Hours: The Royal Palace is generally open to the public throughout the year. The specific opening hours may vary depending on the season, so it's advisable to check the official website before planning your visit.
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the Royal Palace, with different ticket options available for various areas of the palace and combined entrance with other nearby museums.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors who wish to gain deeper insights into the palace's history, architecture, and art collections.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed inside the palace, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve the artworks.
- Accessibility: The Royal Palace is generally accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Elevators and ramps are provided to ensure inclusivity.
Palazzo Reale di Napoli
|
City: Naples
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Region: Campania Completed: 1644 Architectural styles: Neoclassical, Italian Baroque Close by: Piazza del Plebiscito, Teatro San Carlo, Galleria Umberto Recommended accommodation: NapoliMia Hotel |
