Naples’ Royal Palace was built in 1616, in the Art Deco style to house the Spanish rulers of Naples, later becoming home to the Bourbon Kings during their reign in the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of the splendour remains, with opulent gold furnishings, remarkable frescoes by Italian artists, and lovely sculptures and paintings spread throughout the palace. Head outside to explore the vast Royal Gardens and Royal Chapel, which highlight the wealth of Naples' past rulers.
Bask in the grandeur of well-maintained, centuries-old interior furnishings as you wander the Palace. Walk up the lavish double staircase, constructed from white marble, to the Royal Apartment. Marvel at the rich tapestries, patchwork marble floors and gold chandeliers before heading to the throne room to admire the royal throne dating back to about 1850.
The Palace also houses the National Library, which includes precious sections from an early Coptic bible, as well as the philosophical musings of a resident of Herculaneum (destroyed by Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD) from the 1st century AD. One of the distinct characteristic of the Palace is its facade featuring the eight Neapolitan kings who ruled from the 12th century until the unification of Italy. Immortalised on the west of the Palace, facing Piazza del Plebiscito, the large sculptures of the eight kings were all created by different artists and tell of the remarkable variety of rulers in Naples.
Take a walk through the Royal Gardens which stretch out for several kilometres from the Palace entrance. Walk along the garden path through lawns, ponds and statues, lined with large magnolia trees to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Stop for a picnic as you take in the breathtaking view back towards the Palace. The palace also offers great vistas over the bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
To get the most out of your visit, pick up a free audio guide. Located in the heart of Naples, the Royal Palace is about a 30-minute walk from Piazza di Garibaldi. The closest train station is Trieste e Trento. The Palace is open Thursdays to Tuesdays. There is a small admission fee.
