Piazza del Plebiscito

Overview

Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples' grandest square, a vast semicircular piazza encircled by the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (modelled on the Pantheon), and neoclassical colonnades.

Highlights

• Basilica di San Francesco di Paola: A striking Pantheon-inspired neoclassical church.
• Scale: One of Italy's largest piazzas—pedestrianised since 1994.
• Events: Concerts and public events fill the piazza.

History

The piazza was redesigned by Murat and Ferdinand I in the early 19th century. For decades it was a car park; it was gloriously reclaimed for pedestrians in 1994.

Visitor Tips

• Free to explore: Always open.
• Evening: The illuminated colonnades and basilica are spectacular.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.