The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) of Naples, not to be confused with the other royal palace, the Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte, is located in Piazza del Plebiscito in the center of the city. A visit to the palace museum includes the Royal Theater and a beautiful staircase.
Royal Palace Naples
Opening hours, entrance fee and address
The Palazzo Reale is located in Piazza del Plebiscito, 1 – 80132 Naples (tel. +39 0815808111). Public transportation: 140, E6, N1, N3, R1, R2. Opening hours: Unknown. Entrance fee: 4 Euro.
History and description
The Palazzo Reale was built in the 17th century for Spain’s King Philip III. It was commissioned by Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro and Viceroy Caterina Zunica e Sandoval. The king was actually supposed to have come to Naples for a state visit, but this would not happen in the end.
The design was by Domenico Fontana.
Over the centuries, it served successively as the residence of Spanish viceroys, the Austrians and Bourbons.
In 1837, during the reign of Frederick II of Bourbon, a fire caused serious damag. The restoration was led by the architect Gaetano Genovese.
After the unification of Italy, it became the royal residence in Naples of the House of Savoy.
What to see in Naples Royal Palace
There are eight marble statues on the facade of the Royal Palace. They were placed there by order of King Umberto I of Savoy. The statues depict the most representative sovereigns of the dynasties that used to rule Naples.
The 30 rooms of the palace that one can visit are characterized by an excess of splendor. It is from this palace that the city was ruled in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The marble double staircase.
The Teatrino di Corte (“Court Theatre”) was the private theater of the royal house and is therefore richly decorated.
The huge ballroom was called the “Hall of Hercules” and is completely wallpapered with tapestries.
Separate from the palace, one can view the sculpted and beautifully maintained private gardens. High above the city and the Gulf of Naples, one is treated here – free of charge – to a breathtaking view.