Piazza del Plebiscito, Central square in Naples, Italy
Piazza del Plebiscito is a large square in Naples with the Royal Palace on one side and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola on the other. The basilica has a curved colonnade that wraps halfway around the square, forming an open space with pale paving.
The square was originally called Largo del Palazzo and sat directly in front of the Bourbon royal palace. It took its current name after the vote that brought Naples into the new unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
The name recalls the 1860 vote when Naples joined the Kingdom of Italy. Two bronze riders in front of the basilica show Bourbon kings Charles III and Ferdinand IV, placed here after French rule ended.
The square is open to pedestrians only and sits near Via Toledo and the Municipio metro stop. Several bus lines stop nearby and connect the area with other parts of town.
An old challenge invites people to cross the square blindfolded, which proves harder than expected because of the uneven surface and gentle slope. Many locals know the attempt to walk straight and enjoy watching visitors inevitably drift from their imagined line.
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