Royal Palace

Royal Palace is a residence of the Naples’ royal families – a Bourbon dynasty. This building impresses by its size.

Initially, the architect Domenico Fontana made a project for the Spanish king Philip III. The building of the residence lasted for 50 years. But the king never visited the palace. So, when the decorative works were finished, the palace became the home for Fernando Ruiz, the vice-king of Spain. 

The first king visiting the palace was Charles III. He did not like the facade of the building and ordered to restore it. Also, the workers built 2 more castles in Capodimonte and Caserta. The palace of Caserta had a pompous view, so Spanish kings lived there for a long time. 

At the end of the 18th century, Naples's residence was reconstructed again. That time the architects added a court theater, and the palace became a constant residence for royal families of Spain and Austria, including Savoy and Bourbon dynasties. Even when the French army occupied Italy, the palace was a house for Napoleon’s governor and his wife, as well as for Napoleon’s sister Caroline. 

In the middle of the 19th century, the palace was damaged during a fire and got a new outbuilding. The new area turned to be a National Library, where you can see a collection of ancient papyrus found in Herculaneum.

While visiting the palace, pay attention to the facade, especially to the clock and a bell tower. Inside you can see a Museum of historical apartments, known by the court theater and a palace chapel, full of treasures from different Italian basilicas.