Plebiscite Square in Naples

Plebiscite Square (Piazza del Plebiscito) is located in a significant place for Naples - in the heart of this city. The Plebiscite Square was named after the day when Southern Italy joined Piedmont, which became National Voting Day (October 21, 1860).

The square houses the Basilica of St. Francis of Paola, a symbol of Naples. Also, the Royal Palace, the palaces of the Prefecture and Salerno took their place. The National Voting Square had no clearly defined boundaries before. However, in the XVII century, the Plebiscite found its outline. This happened due to the foundation on the square of the Royal Palace. Then other architectural structures were erected, which created the area of the border. But the modern appearance of the Plebiscite found only in the early XIX century, during the Napoleonic battles.

The French monarchs gave clear instructions for the reconstruction of the square: religious buildings were destroyed, which did not allow planning in the urban style. In their place was built a colonnade of the ancient type, and also erected palaces of marble and laurel rocks. In the center of the colonnade currently stands the Basilica of St. Francis. The building dominates all the architectural structures of the square, drawing attention.

During the Christmas period, an exhibition of modern art is organized on Plebiscite Square, attracting tourists with eccentric exhibits. Recently, famous artists of painting have exhibited their works here: Mimmo Paladino, Luciano Fabro, Richard Serra and others.