Piazza Garibaldi is one of the busiest squares in Naples, which of course has to do with the presence of the central railway station. The square is lined with neo-classical and art-déco buildings, as well as the skyscraper of the Italian Railways. The statue in the center of the square depicts Garibaldi himself. The area around Piazza Garibaldi is mainly characterized by its many hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts.
Piazza Garibaldi Naples
History and description
The statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, nicknamed the “Hero of the Two Worlds”, has stood in the square since 1904. It was created by sculptor Cesare Zocchi.
Although there are many cheap places to sleep in the area, it is not the safest part of the city. Of course, it is convenient if you need to get to the train station or airport early or if you want to take many day trips during your stay in Naples.
Napoli Centrale station was built between 1954 and 1966 by Pier Luigi Nervi and others. It is located on the border between what is considered the city center and the eastern suburbs.
The square’s current appearance is the result of the construction of metro line 1. Its architect was Dominique Perrault.
At the moment the area around Piazza Garibaldi has become an immigrant neighborhood. A sort of Chinatown has emerged and there are blocks inhabited almost exclusively by Africans or Eastern Europeans.
Public transport
Piazza Garibaldi is Naples’ main traffic hub. Metro lines intersect here and there are buses to anywhere within the city center. The Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii also departs from the central station.
Districts
Piazza Garibaldi is located on the border of the Pendino, Mercato, San Lorenzo and Vicaria districts.