Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest and most important of the many squares in Naples. The enormous respect and devotion that it generates in the Neapolitan citizens is not only due to its majesty, but also to the many legends that concern it. At the beginning Piazza del Plebiscito was only a big irregular area where folk festivals took place, until in the seventeenth century the Royal Palace construction works, under the guidance of great architect Domenico Fontana, started. This palace was called “Nuovo” (new) to distinguish it from Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), built in 1500. Following the construction of the Palace, the square took the name of Largo di Palazzo (Square of the Palace). Numerous parties, festivals, contests and games were held there. The most famous game was the Cuccagna: a massive papier-mâché and wood reproduction of a villa or a castle was filled with food of all kinds and put at the center of the square; after 10 pm, two cannon shots started the game and all the participants ran to take as much food as possible.

In the eighteenth century architect Luigi Vanvitelli, also known for being the architect of the Royal Palace of Caserta, carried out restoration works at Palazzo Reale. It was him who built the eight niches where the statues of all the Kings of Naples were displayed. Only with the arrival of Charles III, however, the Royal Palace became a real noble palace, full of elegant furnishings and works of art.

Following the fire of 1837, Ferdinand the II decided to demolish Palazzo Vecchio and to renovate the right wing of the new Royal Palace, which changed completely, relocating itself architecturally within the broader design of the square.

By will of Ferdinand the IV the Church of San Francesco di Paola was built; ordering such a work, the King made his vow to the Saint who had allowed him to restore the Bourbon crown. The construction of the Church was entrusted to Piero Bianchi, who decided to place two equestrian statues representing Charles and Ferdinand of House Bourbon at the center of the square and to build a semicircular portico to give the Church a more monumental tone.

On 21 October 1860, a plebiscite was held in the square in which all Neapolitan citizens were called to express their vote in favor or against the unification of Italy and the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Such an event gave the square its current name, significantly transforming it from Largo di Palazzo to Piazza del Plebiscito. Today this marvelous square is a destination for millions of tourists who are always enchanted by the many attractions and architectural beauties that Naples has to offer; admiring it while taking a sip of one of the best espresso coffees in town at Gran Caffè Gambrinus can only make it even more enjoyable.

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