Piazza del Municipio

Situated in a prime location, Piazza del Municipio is Italy's largest square and one of the biggest in all of Europe.

The medieval Castel Nuovo dominates the square and has done so for over 700 years. Rising up from the square's southern end, this castle represents an iconic Renaissance feature amid the busy Neapolitan landscape with its huge round towers standing like obelisk soldiers that seem to attest to this monument's grandeur and future longevity.

The castle was built in 1279 by Charles of Anjou and subsequently used as a residence and fortress for reigning monarch families and leaders. This stronghold also acted as a hub for the arts, playing host to some of the great Italian scholars and artists including Giotto di Bondone only remnants of his frescoes can be seen in the main hall and chapel today. The castle's entrance underwent a transformation in the 15th century with the addition of Alfonso's Triumphal Arch between the two front towers. The arch consists of many sculptures, including that of St Michael, as well as reliefs of Alfonso's great victories.

The rest of the square is lined with magnificent buildings like the Palazzo San Giacomo at the head of the square and the Teatro Mercadante located in the north corner. The Teatro Mercadante is the local theatre which has been staging performances since the 18th century, with a brief interlude due to bombings during World War II. Performances can be seen outdoors too at certain times of the year the square is transformed into a stage of sorts filled with spectacular sights and sounds.

During cold winters the square is converted into an open-air ice rink where you can glide across the glistening ice and then warm up with a nice hot chocolate in one of the local cafés. The square has many restaurants, stalls and cafés where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and have a traditional Italian meal, the perfect complement to the classic Italian surroundings.

The Piazza del Municipio is accessible all year round with bus stops and taxi ranks located close by.