Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples

Square in Naples

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Argo Navis

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the top sights in Naples if you want a single place that captures the city's history, grandeur, and contemporary spirit. Spreading out just a short stroll from the bay, the square is framed by the Royal Palace on one side and the sweeping colonnades and dome of the church of San Francesco di Paola on the other. Its name recalls the plebiscite of 21 October 1860, which brought Naples under the unified Kingdom of Italy, but its stones also tell stories of Napoleon's ambitions, Bourbon restorations, and late-20th-century reinvention.

Once used as a car park in the 1960s and 70s, Piazza del Plebiscito has been reborn as the city's grand open-air drawing room. Fully pedestrianised and repaved in traditional stone ahead of the 1994 G7 summit, it now hosts concerts, public events, and gatherings, with the domed church, royal façade, and glimpses of the bay creating a spectacular backdrop. This is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Naples, whether you are crossing it on your way to the seafront or lingering to watch the square slowly fill with people as the day goes on.

History and Significance of the Piazza del Plebiscito
Things to See and Do in the Piazza del Plebiscito
How to Get to the Piazza del Plebiscito
Practical Tips on Visiting the Piazza del Plebiscito
Where to Stay close to the Piazza del Plebiscito
Is the Piazza del Plebiscito Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Piazza del Plebiscito
Nearby Attractions to the Piazza del Plebiscito

History and Significance of the Piazza del Plebiscito

The square's story begins in the early 19th century, when Joachim Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law and King of Naples, envisioned a monumental open space in front of the Royal Palace as a tribute to the emperor. The site, close to the sea and the seat of power, was perfect for projecting imperial prestige. Murat's plans laid the foundations for the piazza's scale and layout, even though the political winds were about to shift.

After Napoleon's fall and exile to St. Helena, the Bourbon dynasty was restored, and Ferdinand I reimagined the project. Instead of an imperial tribute, the new focal point would be a church dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, who had a historic connection with the area. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, San Francesco di Paola was built with a grand portico supported by six columns and two Ionic pillars, leading into a circular interior crowned by a high dome and flanked by side chapels. The twin curving colonnades that embrace the square give Piazza del Plebiscito its distinctive, theatrical form.

The square gained its current name after the plebiscite of 21 October 1860, when Neapolitans voted to join the Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy. In the decades that followed, Piazza del Plebiscito remained a symbolic space, but its role shifted with the needs of a changing city. By 1963, the pressure of growing traffic turned it into a huge car park, which dulled much of its monumental impact. Only in the run-up to the G7 summit in 1994 was it fully restored, repaved, and pedestrianised, reclaiming its status as Naples' grand civic stage.

Things to See and Do in the Piazza del Plebiscito

The best way to experience Piazza del Plebiscito is simply to walk across it and let the proportions sink in. On the eastern side, the long façade of the Royal Palace of Naples stretches along the square, with its regular rhythm of windows and the line of statues representing historic rulers of Naples gazing out over the open space. On the western side, the basilica of San Francesco di Paola, with its curved colonnades and central dome, anchors the view and gives the piazza an almost classical theatrical backdrop.

Take time to wander along the colonnades and climb the steps of the church for a different perspective. From here, you can look back across the square toward the Royal Palace and out toward the streets leading down to the bay. The colonnades themselves are often dotted with people sheltering from the sun or rain, street performers, and temporary art installations. On quieter days, the vastness of the empty square can feel almost surreal; during events, it becomes a sea of people, lights, and sound.

Piazza del Plebiscito is also a living cultural venue. Over recent decades it has hosted open-air concerts by major Italian artists like Franco Battiato and Pino Daniele, as well as international stars such as Elton John, Maroon 5, Muse, and Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band. Even if you are not there for a show, it is easy to imagine the square filled with music and crowds. Between events, locals use it as a meeting point, a space to stroll, or even a place to attempt the playful challenge of walking blindfolded from the Royal Palace to the statues in front of the church in a straight line-a popular Neapolitan legend.

How to Get to the Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito lies in the monumental heart of Naples, close to the seafront and within easy reach of many central streets and landmarks. If you are arriving by air, you will land at Naples International Airport (Capodichino), from which taxis, rideshares, and shuttle buses connect you to central areas; from there, it is a short walk or bus/metro ride toward the square. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Naples on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in Italy, you will usually arrive at Napoli Centrale on Piazza Garibaldi, the city’s main railway station. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From the station, you can use the metro or buses to reach the centro storico and the waterfront, then walk the final stretch to Piazza del Plebiscito, or simply follow a longer walking route that lets you experience the historic streets as you go.

If you are travelling by car, follow signs for Napoli centro and look for parking garages near the waterfront, via Toledo, or Piazza Municipio, as driving directly into the immediate area can be challenging due to traffic restrictions and limited street parking. Once parked, it is an easy walk to the piazza, which is entirely pedestrianised and best enjoyed on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Piazza del Plebiscito

Suggested tips: Visit both by day and at night if you can-the square feels bright and open under the sun, and atmospheric when lit up after dark.
Best time to visit: Early morning offers quiet views and soft light, while evenings and weekends are livelier with street performers and locals out for a stroll.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: As a public square, Piazza del Plebiscito is accessible at all hours
How long to spend: Allow 30-60 minutes to explore the square, take photos, and visit the exteriors of the palace and church; longer if you combine it with nearby monuments and a coffee stop.
Accessibility: The square is flat and fully pedestrianised, with wide open space suitable for visitors with reduced mobility; some adjacent buildings and churches may have steps at their entrances.
Facilities: While there are no standalone facilities in the centre of the square, cafés, restaurants, and shops around its edges provide toilets, seating, and refreshments.
Photography tip: Stand near the centre to frame both the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola, then move to the corners for diagonal shots that emphasise the size and curves of the colonnades.
Guided tours: Many guided walking tours of Naples include Piazza del Plebiscito alongside the Royal Palace, Teatro di San Carlo, and nearby castles, giving useful historical context to what you see.
Nearby food options: Streets radiating from the square, especially toward via Toledo and the waterfront, are lined with cafés, gelaterie, and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the view of the piazza.

Where to Stay close to the Piazza del Plebiscito

Staying near Piazza del Plebiscito puts you right at the centre of Naples' monumental zone, with easy walks to the Royal Palace, the seafront, Castel Nuovo, and Galleria Umberto I. For a comfortable and central base within a short walk of the square, Grand Hotel Oriente offers modern rooms and convenient access to both via Toledo and the waterfront. If you prefer to combine sea views with quick access to the piazza, Hotel Royal Continental along the Lungomare gives you a scenic stroll to the square via the harbourfront. For a boutique experience closer to the historic lanes but still walkable to Piazza del Plebiscito, Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel places you along Spaccanapoli within easy reach of both the old town and the monumental district.

Is the Piazza del Plebiscito Worth Visiting?

Piazza del Plebiscito is absolutely worth visiting and, for many travellers, feels like the natural centrepiece of a first trip to Naples. It is not just a beautiful open space framed by iconic buildings; it is also a symbolic site of Italian unification, a former car park turned showpiece, and a stage for concerts and public events that draw the whole city together. Standing here, with the dome of San Francesco di Paola on one side and the Royal Palace on the other, you get a sense of Naples' grandeur and its ongoing ability to reinvent itself. For anyone exploring the city, it is one of the best places to visit in Naples to understand how history, politics, and everyday life come together in one powerful urban scene.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (87,148)

Piazza del Plebiscito is a wide pedestrian square in Naples fronted by the neo‑classical Royal Palace and punctuated by equestrian statues; it's a lively cultural stage hosting concerts, festivals, marathons and city events, best visited early to avoid crowds or enjoyed at night when lighting lifts its atmosphere. Visitors note the imposing Basilica Reale San Francesco di Paola with its grand dome and portico overlooking the piazza, and point out that the palace façade's statues reference Naples' past rulers; from here you can easily head up Via Chiaia toward famous eateries and the funicular to Vomero's viewpoints.

Patrick Xu

a week ago

"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 ourcity 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...."

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F. Dugois

a month ago

"While on the Piazza del Plebiscito, don’t miss a visit to the 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece, the Basilica Reale San Francesco di Paolaoverlooks 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...."

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michele campanelli

2 weeks ago

"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 learningabout 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...."

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FAQs for Visiting Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza del Plebiscito lies between the Royal Palace and the basilica of San Francesco di Paola, a short walk from the waterfront and Galleria Umberto I in central Naples.

No, the square is a public space and free to access at any time; you only pay for specific attractions or events around it.

Yes, the square is accessible 24/7 and is particularly atmospheric in the evening when buildings are lit and locals gather to stroll.

Absolutely, the wide car-free space is ideal for families, though you should keep an eye on children during busy events or concerts.

Nearby Attractions to the Piazza del Plebiscito

Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale): The former Bourbon residence with richly decorated rooms and a long façade framing one side of the square.
Basilica di San Francesco di Paola: A domed church inspired by the Pantheon, with sweeping colonnades embracing the western edge of the piazza.
Teatro di San Carlo: One of Europe's oldest and most prestigious opera houses, just behind the Royal Palace.
Galleria Umberto I: A 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade nearby, blending elegant architecture with shops and cafés.
Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino): A medieval fortress by the port, a short walk away and a key landmark on Naples' waterfront.

The Piazza del Plebiscito appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Naples!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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