Royal Palace of Naples, Palace museum from 17th century in Naples, Italy.
The Palazzo Reale is a museum in Naples, Italy, positioned at the edge of Piazza del Plebiscito and rising several floors above the square. Its long brick and volcanic stone construction appears both heavy and ceremonial, with clear divisions between windows and cornices.
A Spanish viceroy ordered the construction from the year 1600 onward to receive the expected visit of King Philip III in fitting style. Control later passed through Austrian hands, then Bourbon rule, and finally into Italian hands during the unification in the 1800s.
This monumental building served for centuries as residence for viceroys, kings, and later the Italian royal family before becoming a state museum. The richly decorated interiors show how court life and artistic taste evolved from Baroque times to Neoclassicism.
The building is open Thursday through Tuesday and provides accessible routes throughout all public areas. Rooms are spread across different floors, so allow time for stairs or elevators.
Along the facade stand eight large statues representing rulers from different eras, from a medieval Norman king to the first king of united Italy. This row symbolizes the changing rulership through the centuries.
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