Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli): A Comprehensive Travel Guide

The Royal Palace of Naples, known in Italian as Palazzo Reale di Napoli, is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Set on the elegant Piazza del Plebiscito, directly across from the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, this grand building has stood at the centre of Naples’ royal and political life for more than four centuries. It remains one of the top Things to do in Naples and a must-see for anyone exploring southern Italy.

History and Significance

Construction of the Royal Palace began in 1600, commissioned by the Spanish viceroy in anticipation of a visit by King Philip III of Habsburg. Although the king never came, architect Domenico Fontana designed a magnificent structure that would become a symbol of royal authority in Naples.

Over the centuries, the palace served as the residence of Spanish and Austrian viceroys, then later became home to the Bourbon dynasty. The Bourbons expanded and renovated the building, turning it into one of the most opulent royal residences in Europe. After the unification of Italy, the palace was transferred to the House of Savoy and eventually opened to the public in 1919. In 2019, it became an independent national museum dedicated to preserving Naples’ regal heritage.

What to See Inside

Stepping inside the Royal Palace is like walking through the pages of history. The exterior may appear simple, but the interiors are filled with grandeur, from elaborate frescoes to priceless tapestries and ornate chandeliers.

Highlights

• The Monumental Staircase (Scalone d’Onore): Designed by Francesco Antonio Picchiatti and later decorated by Gaetano Genovese, this marble staircase is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a dramatic introduction to the palace’s interior.
• The Historic Apartments (Appartamento di Etichetta): Visitors can explore around 30 rooms decorated with frescoes, period furniture, and artworks that once belonged to the Bourbon monarchs.
• The Throne Room, Court Theatre, and Hall of Hercules: These rooms showcase the palace’s most impressive displays of royal artistry and craftsmanship.
• The Royal Chapel: A sacred space richly adorned with marble and religious motifs, reflecting the deep Catholic traditions of the Neapolitan court.
• The National Library of Naples: Located in the eastern wing, this vast library holds over two million texts, including rare manuscripts, papyri from Herculaneum, and the historic Farnese collection.
• The Gallery of Time: Housed in the former Bourbon stables, this exhibition retraces the palace’s transformation through interactive displays and multimedia installations.

Gardens and Views

Beyond its majestic halls, the palace features elegant gardens that offer a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside. The Hanging Garden, in particular, provides stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. It’s the perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery. Access to this area may require an additional ticket, but it’s worth the visit for its panoramic views.

Location and Visiting Information

Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy

Opening Hours

The Royal Palace is generally open from Thursday to Tuesday, between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm, with last entry at 7:00 pm. It is closed on Wednesdays, December 25, and January 1. Hours may vary slightly depending on the season, so checking ahead is a good idea.

Tickets

General admission costs about €10, with free entry for children under 18. Some tickets include garden access, while others may be combined with entry to nearby attractions. The Naples Museum Card also covers entry to the palace.

French-language guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 5:00 pm for €9. Reservations can be made by emailing visiteguidate@teatrosancarlo.it.

Getting There

The Royal Palace’s central location makes it easy to reach by public transit or on foot.

• By Metro: Take Line 1 to Municipio Station or Line 2 to Toledo Station, then walk to Piazza del Plebiscito.
• On Foot: The palace is a short walk from the port and about 30 minutes from Naples Central Station.
• By Car: Paid parking is available nearby, including at Gran Garage Incoronata.

Naples’ transportation system also connects conveniently to nearby destinations such as Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento, which can be reached by train, ferry, or regional bus.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

The Royal Palace is surrounded by some of Naples’ most notable landmarks. Right next door stands the Teatro di San Carlo, Italy’s oldest and most prestigious opera house. The Basilica di San Francesco di Paola dominates the same square, while Via Toledo, one of Naples’ main shopping streets, is just a few minutes away.

For a true taste of Naples, stop at Caffè Gambrinus, located on Piazza del Plebiscito since 1860. This historic café is famous for its Art Decò interiors and literary history, as well as for the “caffè sospeso” tradition—paying in advance for a coffee for someone in need.

Tips for Visitors

• Plan to spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the palace and gardens.
• Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted in certain rooms.
• Lines are usually short, even during busier seasons.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a complete day in Naples’ historic centre.

A Glimpse into Naples’ Royal Heritage

The Royal Palace of Naples is not just a historic building—it’s a window into the city’s royal legacy and cultural evolution. From its grand halls to its sweeping gardens, every corner reflects the splendour of southern Italy’s past. Whether you’re drawn by history, art, or architecture, the palace offers one of the most rewarding experiences in Naples and remains a must-visit landmark for travellers discovering Italy’s vibrant south.