For anyone interested in the history of Neapolitan royalty, the opulent Palazzo Reale, which today houses a collection of paintings, frescoes, tapestries, chandeliers and furniture from the 17th to the 19th centuries, is a must-see.
Under the orders of its Spanish rulers, work on the Royal Palace started in 1600, and the bulk of the palace was completed in two years. It was later occupied by the Bourbon Kings who ruled over the Kingdom of Naples during the 18th and 19th centuries and who extended the building further. When under French rule in the early 19th century, the interior was updated to give it its current neoclassical style.
The palace's royal apartment opened as a museum in 1919 and features a rich collection of Neoclassical and Baroque artefacts, paintings, tapestries and porcelain. One highlight is the double staircase, made from pink and white marble, considered to be one of the finest monumental staircases in Europe. Visitors are free to wander from room to room and get a feel for the size and grandeur of this royal palace. Look out for the royal throne which dates back to 1850.
The National Library is also inside the palace. Its treasures include sections of an early Coptic bible and philosophical writings dating back to the 1st century AD authored by a resident of Herculaneum.
Outside the palace, the grounds which extend for several kilometres are a favourite place for locals to wander through. On the west side of the palace, look out for the statues of the eight kings who ruled over Naples from the 12th century until the unification of Italy. If you've brought a picnic, rest under one of the large magnolia trees that line the gardens.
The Royal Palace is situated in the heart of Naples. It is a 30-minute walk from Piazza di Garibaldi. Trieste e Trent is the closest train station. The Palace is open Thursdays to Tuesdays, and a small charge is made for admission.
