After many trips to Naples, one thing I hadn't done before was visit the Palazzo Reale di Napoli, the Royal Palace of Naples. Palazzo Reale is a ridiculously opulent Italian palace full of history, grand furnishings, neoclassical and baroque paintings, tapestries, a theatre and stunning views.
Built around 1600 when Naples was under Spanish rule, it was not completed for two centuries. Palazzo Reale covers an entire end of the elegant Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples, and is home to heavily frescoed walls and ceilings, thrones, a prayer room, court theatre and the largest state library in southern Italy. It was one of the four residences used by the royal house of the Bourbons of Naples during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The other three are: the Royal Palace of Capodimonte in Naples, Reggia di Caserta and the Royal Palace of Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.
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| photo credit - www.agendaonline.it |
Don't let the seemingly unassuming external appearance fool you, the interior of the palace is truly magnificent with extravagant decoration and indulgent gardens.
Inside, a regal double marble staircase (considered one of the finest monumental staircases in Europe) leads you up to the luxurious royal apartments.
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| Teatrino di corte - court theatre |
I was reliably informed by my Neapolitan friend that the theatre hosts regular concerts and operas, which I think would be spectacular to see.
The palace is expansive and you can wander through while being dwarfed by the rooms, art and chandeliers.
It is easy to get lost in the wonder of the place.
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| One of the palaces mirrors with intricate detail. |
Along the side of the Palace is a very extensive balcony with a gorgeous view of the Bay of Naples.
Il presepe del Banco di Napoli which contains over 210 shepherd figurines and 144 various accessories.
For the price of a sit down coffee, the 3 euro entry is well worth it, and includes an audio guide. I recommend using the guide, as the descriptions in the rooms are short and without it the rooms and their art really don't mean anything. Saying that, for those not keen on audio guides, just strolling and taking in the opulence and extravagance would be equally lovely.
The best part is you will probably be alone, the palace seems to be near enough always empty, I was there for 2 hours and saw only 3 or 4 visitors so you will be able to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of the place alone.
Apparently early summer is the quiet period, and visiting the palace with its marble adorned walls could be a welcome reprieve from the hot Neapolitan climate.
I have been informed that extensive renovations are being carried out at the moment and due to the fact the palace is hidden behind scaffolding it's easy to think that the palace is closed. Too bad for current visitors it's being renovated, but I am sure in the future it will be even more of a sight to behold.
You can make reservations online, but they are probably not needed.
To enjoy a brief brush in with royalty whilst in Naples its definitely the place to go.
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