Naples: The history of a Capital
This area was once the heart of the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies. The most important buildings of the then capital - castles, theatres, palaces and lavish private residences - were all concentrated around Piazza Plebiscito and Piazza Municipio, in what is today a small area open to the sea.
Palazzo Reale: The palace, originally intended for a visit by Ling Ferdinand III of Spain was started in 1600 but only completed three centuries later. Statues of the eight kings of Naples are set into recesses along the façade, and give the curious impression of standing guard. Inside the palace is a labyrinth of stairways, private rooms, corridors, gardens, terraces and inner courtyards.
Teatro San Carlo: The Teatro San Carlo, built in 1737 in honour of Charles III, soon established itself as one of the world's leading opera houses. Bellini's La Sonnambula premiered here. It's certainly worth coming if you have the opportunity, and ballet, opera or concert tickets are often available even on the day of the performance. The theatre is also open to visitors during the day.
Galleria Umberto: THis glass-roofed arcade was built in 1890 to meet two needs: to regenerate the Santa Brigida area and to provide the city with an emblem of modern industrial civilisation. The four wings of the gallery are laid out in the direction of the compass points and meet in a central glass cupola. This impressive iron-and-glass structure lets in plenty of light. Inside are shops and cafés. By contrast with neighbouring streets, the peace and tranquillity here seem almost provincial.
Church of San Francesco di Paola: Piazza Plebiscito, alongside the Palazzo Reale, has long been the site of military parades, public festivities and concerts, as well as a place for walks. The Church of San Francesco di Paola on the centre of the piazza is reminiscent in both form and size of the Pantheon in Rome, and is flanked by a colonnade.
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