Welcome to the audio guide of Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples, two of the city's most iconic and fascinating sites. Located in the heart of Naples, these landmarks wonderfully represent the city's history, culture, and art. Let's begin our tour by exploring the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito, followed by an immersion into the grandeur of the Royal Palace.

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest and most important squares in Italy, as well as one of Naples' symbols. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and offers a breathtaking view of the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace. The square is named after the plebiscite of 1860, through which the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. Before that, the square was known as Largo di Palazzo, referring to its proximity to the Royal Palace. Its current layout is the result of restructuring work commissioned by Joachim Murat and later by Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

One of the main points of interest in the square is the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. This church, with its imposing dome and neoclassical façade, dominates the scene. The basilica was built at the behest of Ferdinand I of Bourbon as a thank you to St. Francis of Paola for reclaiming the throne after the Napoleonic occupation. The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, with a vast central-plan space surrounded by Corinthian columns and decorated with precious marbles and frescoes. The central dome is one of the largest in Italy, offering a sense of grandeur and spirituality.

At the center of the square are two equestrian statues, one dedicated to Charles III of Bourbon and the other to Ferdinand I. The statues were created by the sculptor Antonio Canova and his pupils, representing two key figures in Neapolitan history. The statue of Charles III, founder of the Bourbon dynasty in Naples, is particularly significant for his role in modernizing the kingdom and developing the city's cultural and scientific institutions. Ferdinand I, on the other hand, is celebrated for restoring order after the Napoleonic occupation and commissioning important architectural works, including the basilica itself.

Now let's move towards the Royal Palace, which majestically overlooks the square. The Royal Palace of Naples is one of the city's most important historic buildings and one of the four residences used by the Bourbon royal family of Naples during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The construction of the palace began in 1600, designed by the architect Domenico Fontana, at the behest of the Spanish viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro. Over the centuries, the palace has been expanded and renovated several times, assuming its current appearance thanks to the interventions of architects Luigi Vanvitelli and Ferdinando Fuga.

Entering the palace, we find ourselves in the monumental staircase of honor, a masterpiece by Luigi Vanvitelli. This staircase, with its precious marbles and refined details, leads to the royal apartments on the first floor. The royal apartments are an extraordinary example of opulence and elegance, with rooms decorated with frescoes, gilded stuccoes, tapestries, and antique furniture. Among the most notable rooms are the Throne Room, the Ambassadors' Room, and the Council Room.

One of the main attractions of the Royal Palace is the Royal Chapel, designed by Francesco De Mura and Gaetano Genovese. The chapel is a magnificent example of Baroque art, with frescoes, polychrome marbles, and richly decorated altars. The chapel is still used for official ceremonies and religious functions, keeping the palace's spiritual tradition alive.

Another point of great interest is the Court Theater, located inside the Royal Palace. This theater, built in the 18th century, is one of the best-preserved court theaters in Europe. With its intimate structure and luxurious decorations, the Court Theater was the ideal place for private performances by the royal family and their guests.

We conclude our visit with a walk along the façade of the Royal Palace, which overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito. The façade, over 160 meters long, is a majestic example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, with porticos, arched windows, and sculptural decorations. The statues of the kings of Naples, positioned in niches along the façade, celebrate the historical figures who ruled the city, from Roger the Norman to Victor Emmanuel II.

Thank you for participating in this audio guide. We hope your visit to Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples has been enriching and enjoyable.