Palazzo Reale Napoli (or the Royal Palace of Naples) is one of the most impressive palaces in southern Italy and ranks among the top tourist attractions in the city. This palace in Naples Italy was the primary royal residence of the Bourbon rulers in the first half of the eighteenth century until it was moved to the Palace of Caserta whose inland location was a better strategic position in terms of defense. The Spanish viceroys in power at the time saw to the completion of the construction of this amazing palace in 1600. The designer was one of the most prominent architects of the day, Domenico Fontana.

The Royal Palace of Naples now absolutely dominates the Piazza del Plebiscito with its formidable, red façade that features statues of the eight kings of Naples. The Palazzo Reale Napoli is filled with grand halls, massive tapestries, beautiful works of art, and fine furnishings. The Throne Room, Court Theatre, Royal Apartments, and Oratory (the queen’s personal chapel) are all highlights of visiting the palace. You will also have the pleasure of paying a visit to the Teatro San Carlo and the National Library of Naples, which are located at the palace and the adjacent grounds.

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of the palace in Naples Italy is the façade with its eight kings. This is a truly remarkable historical testament to the development of Naples, as these kings represent completely different regimes and dynastic ambitions. The kings immortalized on the façade of the Palazzo Reale Napoli are: Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, Charles of Anjou, Roger II, Alfonse of Aragon, Charles V, Charles VII of Naples, Joachim Murat (brother-in-law of Napoleon), and Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy. The breathtaking exterior is perhaps the only component of the Royal Palace of Naples that can rival the intense beauty of the interior. The expansive royal halls and apartments, the priceless artworks and decorations, and the sheer size and scope of the grounds will inspire anyone who visits this top destination in Naples. One of the great things about taking time to visit this attraction, is that you will find yourself within close range of a wide variety of other alluring destinations in the city, including the Santa Croce di Palazzo, the Church of San Francesco di Paola, and the shopping Mecca, Galleria Umberto. There are also a ton of restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment venues around this central part of Naples.

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If you so choose, you can visit the Royal Palace in the late afternoon, enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the town, and then return to the palatial grounds for a breathtaking show at the legendary Teatro San Carlo. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the Piazza del Plebiscito to a café of your choice, or perhaps to a nice wine bar for some local vintages. The Palazzo Reale Napoli is just one of the amazing attractions in this part of Naples. Together with the Palace of Caserta and the Castel Nuovo, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. You can take tours of the Palace in Naples Italy for a modest fee. The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.