Royal Palace of Naples

The Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale) is a large historic royal residence on Piazza del Plebiscito in central Naples, Italy. It served as a seat for ruling dynasties and later national institutions and retains important state rooms.

Guided and self-guided visits focus on the palace’s grand apartments, formal halls and period interiors arranged around courtyards. Exhibits and rooms present the material culture of the Bourbon and later administrations, with large-scale decorative schemes and formal reception spaces.

Constructed and expanded from the 17th century onward, the palace was a major residence for the Spanish viceroys and later the Bourbon kings of Naples. Over time it was adapted to changing political regimes and now contains museum spaces alongside institutional functions such as a national library.

Sited on the western edge of Naples’ historic centre, the palace overlooks Piazza del Plebiscito and is within walking distance of the seafront and major civic landmarks. It forms part of the city’s principal tourist axis and cultural district.

• Piazza location: Faces Piazza del Plebiscito and lies adjacent to the Teatro di San Carlo, forming a prominent civic and cultural axis in Naples' historic centre.

What to See #

• Royal Apartments: State rooms and ceremonial chambers used by monarchs and viceroys, including preserved royal apartments and the palace's formal reception rooms.
• Biblioteca Nazionale (national library): A major public research library housed in the palace that contains historic collections and serves as a national bibliographic repository for Naples.