Piazza del Plebiscito

We were here on a Saturday in November, there was a celebration event happening here. Very busy and very crowded. This was our starting point of our city walking tour, from here we went northward, we spent a couple of hours, visited many tourist attractions and busy streets. Naples was busy, vibrant and lovely.

While on the Piazza del Plebiscito, don’t miss a visit to the 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece, the Basilica Reale San Francesco di Paola overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, it features a grand dome and an imposing portico. Built by Ferdinand I, it stands as a symbol of architectural revival following the Napoleonic occupation. Inside, the Basilica Reale San Francesco di Paola captivates with its monumental 53-meter dome adorned with radiant frescoes. Corinthian columns encircle the circular space, achieving perfect harmony. This architecture, inspired by the Pantheon, reflects 19th-century neoclassical grandeur and remarkable technical mastery.

I went in the first Sunday of the month so it was free! Lots to see, elegant state rooms. I'd recommend reading up a little on the history before going as it will add context to the rooms.

The most important square in Naples created by the Bourbon dynasty of Naples. The statues on the facade of the royal palace are useful for learning about the many dynasties that governed Naples and the kingdom of southern Italy (Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, Habsburgs, Bourbons of Naples, Joachim Murat, Savoy)... with a short walk you reach the central funicular which takes you to the Vomero hill with the Sant'Elmo castle, the Belvedere of the Certosa di San Martino with the Cuciniello nativity scene and the Villa Floridiana. Once you arrive at Piazza del Plebiscito, don't forget to go up Via Chiaia to see the restaurant where the Margherita pizza was invented and then to see the beautiful Chiaia metro station.

The authentic spirit of Naples is gathered here. The square is pedestrian and the idea is for one to enjoy the buildings around it. There is also the Royal Palace, as well as the wonderful San Carlo Theater. It is the oldest opera house in the world that is still operating. On the square is also the famous pastry shop, which I do not recommend to you.

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest and most impressive open squares in Italy, serving as a massive pedestrian theater framed by royal history and neoclassical architecture. The Basilica di San Francesco di Paola dominates one side of the square, this church is famous for its massive semicircular colonnade. Its design is a clear tribute to the Pantheon in Rome, complete with a soaring 53 meter dome. The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), opposite the church sits the elegant residence of the Bourbon kings. The facade features eight statues of the most prominent kings of Naples—perfect for a quick history lesson as you walk by. The "Blindfolded" Challenge: A local legend says that if you stand at the door of the Royal Palace, close your eyes, and try to walk straight between the two equestrian statues in the center of the square, you will fail. The slight slope of the pavement almost always veers you off course!

I'm an art and history enthusiast, but you must know that Naples has a lot of graffiti. However, do not let this ruin the experience. The best time to visit this location is early in the morning before the crowds set in.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Piazza del Plebiscito – Heart of Naples Recent highlight: The 2025 Neapolis Marathon started and finished here, filling the square with over 5,000 runners and a festival atmosphere. This vast, elegant piazza is Naples’ cultural stage — hosting concerts, festivals, city anniversaries, parades, and sports events year-round. Surrounded by stunning landmarks, it perfectly blends history with modern city life. Tip: Arrive early for big events and come back at night when the lighting makes the square even more magical. A must-see for anyone visiting Naples — it’s where the city truly comes alive.

One of the large open spaces and if all of Naples looked as clean as this, it would be a much nicer city. This piazza is massive and beautiful. With the Royal Palace on one side and the church of San Francesco di Paola in the center, this is a beautiful spot. Not much going on today - it's late January - but there are usually events and festivals here in the warmer months. [Review 19219 overall - 370 in Italy - 189 of 2023.]

Massive! I'm sure this entire space was much more useful over 172 years ago. I was hanging around this plaza for their La Notte della Tammorra festival. Lotsa people just gathered listening to music, having conversations, munching on pizza and birre. It's a friendly community for locals and visitors. I even had a small conversation with someone where we both were using Google Translate to communicate. It didn't halt our attempts to talk, despite our language barrier. Hospitality and humanity is an art of a person's soul. Day time and night there always seems to be people hanging around, especially on the steps. The building directly faces Palazzo Reale di Napoli. Piazza del Plebiscito is a perfect landmark to know you're a short walk away to the ocean views. Keep on gallavanting! There's more to see and live.

I came to Naples and was able to visit this Piazza as part of a combined tour with also going to Pompeii in the morning. Its a large open square, with the Naples Royal Palace on one end and a beautiful Church building, which when we were visiting in Dec 2018, was lit-up and had a revolving display of multi-color lights shining on its walls. I guess it was okay - I think coming from Rome, felt a bit more understated. Yelp 280/ 2018

A huge expansive public space that puts you in awe to the size of the building fascia the closer you get to it. A vast open sweeping pair of arms that you could imagine holding the entire commerce of the city back in ancient times, filled with vendors and craftsmen from all over selling their wares. This is one of the few plazas I found so large and in excellent shape.

We passed this on our way toward the waterfront. Nice big area to run around in. I remember when I was kid I used to love running around big spaces like this. read more about our Naples food tour on my site

Magic! One of the most beautiful squares in Napoli. From there you can walk to the seafront and enjoy its beauty.