Naple's most iconic square is framed by Prefettura di Napoli a government office on the north, on…read morethe south by Palazzo Salerno (Sede del Comando Territoriale Sud - currently military offices), by the royal palace on the east, and Basilica of San Francesco di Paola to the west. The last two are open for visitors and pretty quiet on an April evening. The port area and waterfront public park Giardini del Molosiglio are nearby within walking distance to the southeast. As magnificent and grand as these surrounding buildings and others nearby are, this piazza also very much a piece of the local cloth. Where school groups and tourists frequent during the day, is open space in the evening for kids riding bikes and playing soccer, for families taking walks with strollers and dogs. While I was there it was fun to see a group of students singing along to a couple musicians on a guitar and mic, a few kids flying kites, the sun setting to the west casting a warm glow onto the structures in the square. Fun facts: - named after a plebiscite (aka referendum or survey) which united Naples with the rest of Italy. - Joachim Murat, bro-in-law of Napoleon had planned to dedicate the square to the emperor though when the Bourbon rulers were restored to the throne plans changed. Hence today the two statues in from of the church are Bourbon kings Charles III and his son Ferdinand I. They also instructed the completion of the neoclassical basilica along this square. - there's a local game/tradition of attempting to cross the square blindfolded starting from the center of the main entrance of the royal palace with the goal of walking directly in the middle of the two statues. Legend is that it's an impossible feat, due to the irregular shape of the square, uneven cobblestones and slight slope. - the square became a parking lot in 1963 to deal with the overflow of cars in the city, then reconfigured back to pedestrian only in 1994.

It's the main public square in front of the Royal Palace of Naples. It's very close to Stazione…read moreMarittima terminal where many cruise ships dock. I'd say this square is about a 10 minute walk away. There's a pedestrian walkway that makes it easy. This is another great walkable city, and much easier than navigating the narrow roads by car. It's a lively square full of tourists and local residents. There's much to do and see here. I think even the pickiest eater will find something delicious at any of the restaurants and bakeries around it. What attracted me the most were the statues in the niches between the arched columns of the palace. The stone work was also very impressive. This type of volcanic rock was readily used for construction throughout the city during that time period. It's very evident here. You'll continue to see it as you walk through the historical city center. It's a must just for the historical significance of it. You might as well see this plaza while walking around the city center.

Intriguing architectural facade for appreciation if you're in the neighborhood!…read more Commissioned by Nicola Moscati, marquis of Poppano in 1738, the Rococo design is attributed to Ferdinando Sanfelice, who connected two existing palazzo buildings with an imaginatively devised double staircase, also used in other buildings by the same architect. This was referred to as "falcon's wings" due to the curving arched outline of the ascending staircases on either side of an octagonal base. In the 19th century the lower apartments of the building were purchased by businessman Tommaso Atienza, nicknamed lo Spagnolo (the Spaniard), hence the building's current name. This is quick walk-by situation, neither the building nor stairs are open to the public. You can walk through the base of the stairs from one side to the other, both sides used as a parking lot currently as of April 2026.

Italy is filled with gorgeous fountains, and Naples is no exception. In fact, Naples being right on…read morethe water, has the best iteration of Neptune. This gorgeous fountain of Neptune, truly is a sight to behold. Interestingly, enough, it feels like it's slightly out of the beat and path, and you definitely need to know that it's there, despite its massive size. Little too, few tourist were around in the middle of the day to look at it, which is truly a shame because it's stunning. The fountain not only pays homage to Neptune, but it truly embraces everything about Neptune and the water. It's free to visit, and you definitely should walk those few extra blocks to go see it!

You can't miss it. It's the public square in back of the Church of San Domenico Maggiore, and just…read moreoff of Spaccanapoli (or Via Benedetto Croce). This is also where you'll find the beautiful Obelisk of San Domenico which towers over the square. It's a symbol of resilience & hope, but I couldn't help but feel like it's also protecting everyone. It was erected after the plague of 1656 that devastated Naples. So, maybe its purpose is to make you feel that way. There are also former palaces on each side of it. The Palazzo Petrucci currently houses a Michelin Star restaurant of the same name. You'll also see the outdoor terrace of their pizzeria in the plaza. On the opposite side is the Palazzo Corigliano. It's currently occupied by a college of a university that teaches languages. There's history and worldliness all around this piazza. It's a lively public area that is frequented by locals, tourists, parishioners, and students. You'll see the young, the elderly, and all ages in between enjoying the shops & restaurants. You can ideally spend a couple of hours here just watching how Naples lives. It's a cool place to be when near this historic city center.

Located on the edge of Spaccanapoli, (now renamed Via Benedetto Croce,) a main tourist promenade in…read morethe historic center of Napoli. At the center of this square is a 18th-century obelisk monument dedicated to San Domenico (Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order), credited for eradicating the 1656 plague. On the northern edge of the square is the Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore, a gothic church with a beautiful interior, completed in 1324, altered to a Baroque style in 1670 then back to Gothic in the 19th century. Sepulchers located in the sacristy house members of the royal family of Aragon. The neighboring buildings are comprised of former palaces of the aristocracy now repurposed for other uses. Palazzo Petrucci houses a pizzeria, B&Bs, and a cafe, Palazzo di Sandro is home to a lute maker, Palazzo Corigliano a library and cafes. The original location of Scaturchio, one of Naples' oldest pasticcerias (see my separate review) sits along the southern edge of the piazza. Walking around this oldest quarter of the modern city, you'll inevitably pass by, hopefully when it's not too crowded. I enjoyed walking through early morning while most stores were just opening up, a glimpse of the city's daily clockwork before the bustle sets in.

It's a very large & spacious pedestrian square in front of the former palace of the prince of…read moreSalerno. You can still see the palace wall today when looking at the Church of Gesù Nuovo. There are other former palaces around it, along with the Church of Santa Chiara. The Palazzo Pandola is now a bed & breakfast, and the Palazzo Pignatelli di Monteleone is possibly a private residence. I found the Obelisk of the Immaculate Virgin to be the most impressive part of it. It's the tallest of the 3 plague spires in the historical center. I found it to be more ornate than the one up the street that is dedicated to Saint Dominic, but both are very impressive. This area is the perfect drop off point if you intend on taking in the local flavor of Spaccanapoli. Start with the church and work your way up. I believe it's a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can easily spend at least 4 hours in this area. We even saw local artists in and around the square. It's a happy place to be.

Piazza del Gesu is one of the better plazas with its location and wider road. Still watch out if…read moreyou are a pedestrian. I found myself in this area a few times during my week visit. The proximity of the church to the restaurants, boutique shops with jewelry and clothing, especially their pasticcerias and bars. A school is within the area, so many teens hangout after classes. Scenery changes by evening and night life awakens.