One glance at this imposing royal palace and it becomes clear that, in its heyday, Naples was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to one of the Mediterranean’s most glittering royal courts. Begun in 1600, it was designed by Domenico Fontana and completed in two years. Additions, including the grand staircase, were made over the years, and it was redesigned in the 18th and 19th centuries. The edifice was a royal residence until 1946, when the monarchy was exiled for its ill-considered support of Mussolini’s Fascist regime.
NEED TO KNOW
Piazza del Plebiscito • 081 40 05 47 • DA • Open 9am–8pm Mon–Tue, Thu–Sun (last entry 7pm) • Adm €4 
- Caffè Gambrinus, located in the stylish piazza next to the palace, is an excellent and historic choice for a drink, snack or a full meal.
- The ticket office is notoriously hard to find, often confused with the gift shop. It’s located on the side of the building, where the palace meets the San Carlo Opera House.
- It’s best to buy a Campania Artecard – it reduces entrance fees to the major sights and you will also often get prioritized entry, saving a great deal of time.
- Guide to the Palazzo Reale You are free to walk around the inner courtyard and gardens at your leisure, without a ticket, as well as to enter the National Library. To visit the Royal Apartments, buy your ticket and take the grand staircase up to the left only, after which you may see the rooms in whatever order you wish and stay as long as you like.
1.Façade
Dominating the vast Piazza del Plebiscito, the palace’s late Renaissance façade of brickwork and grey piperno stone is adorned with giant statues of Naples’ foremost kings.
Palace's late Renaissance façade
2.Decor of the Apartments
The theme of the frescoes that adorn the 30 royal apartments was chosen to flatter royals from various houses.
3.Biblioteca Nazionale
In the eastern wing, the massive National Library has at its core the Farnese collection, with books dating from the 5th century. Also here are 1st-century-BC papyri found at Herculaneum.
4.Staircase
The monumental staircase leads from the central courtyard up to the royal apartments. The original masterpiece dates from 1651; in 1837 it was embellished with pink and white marble.
The colossal staircase of the palace
5.Furnishings
Fine examples of Empire furniture predominate in the palace’s apartments, much of it of French manufacture. Tapestries adorn many rooms, as do exceptional examples of 18th-century marble tables elaborately inlaid with semiprecious stones.
The majestic Empire furniture in the palace
6.Sala di Ercole
The Hall of Hercules derives its name from the ancient statue displayed here in the 19th century.
7.Teatrino di Corte
Dating from 1768, this beautiful private theatre attests to the royal family’s passion for comic opera. In the side niches are 12 figures by Angelo Viva that depict Apollo and his Muses.
The spectacular Teatrino di Corte
8.Cappella Palatina
A 16th-century wooden door, painted in faux bronze, leads to the Royal Chapel, where the court’s religious activities took place. The high altar consists of semiprecious stones set in gilt copper, while the 18th-century nativity scene is a study of local life at the time.
The magnificent Royal Chapel, Cappella Palatina
9.Paintings
Of considerable importance is the abundance of paintings of all genres, including works by Giordano, Guercino, Carracci, Preti and Titian. Also of interest are 17th-century Dutch portraits, 18th-century Chinese watercolours and 19th-century Neapolitan landscape paintings.
10.Gardens and Stables
Located to the north of the palace, the gardens, which were laid out in 1841, afford great views of the hill of San Martino in one direction, and of Vesuvius and the bay in the other. The old stables here are now used for special exhibitions.
