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.

This is great place to get away from all the chaos of Naples. Nice swimming and kayaking and place…read moreto soak up that sweet sweet Mediterranean sunshine.

My favorite square in Naples, maybe my favorite square anywhere, and approaching it from any…read moredirection is a treat. Beautiful shops along the way, and no better place anywhere to enjoy a cup of Neapolitan coffee...

I have a close friend whose family comes from Naples, and it was while I was on my quest to find a…read morepost office to send her a postcard with a Naples post mark, that I came across this Piazza and its massive traffic snarl! What struck me about the 4 lions at the base of the statue is that each of them are different! Talk about absolutely breaking all the rules about classical symmetry! There was a lion that was standing, one was sitting, one was looking to the side and I couldnt quite figure out what the 4th lion was up to. The column that is in the midst of these 4 lions has a beautifully wrought elegant statue of a winged lady holding a wreath. However it was hard to get up close to see this statue in the middle of the Piazza as it functioning as a traffic roundabout! Would be nice if it could be a pedestrian zone instead. Yelp 281/ 2018

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 vibrant place to be when visiting the historical center of Napoli with its beautiful…read morechurches & saintly landmarks. It's the straight road that divides the city. You'll get a great view of it from Largo di San Martino. We were there on a busy Friday morning. Entering Via Benedetto Croce from the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo. It was the perfect way to start this exploration. We walked just a little past the Obelisk of San Domenico Maggiore while checking out the street food items, bakeries, and shops along the way. We visited the ornate Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo after taking in this whole experience. There is also the Santa Chiara Monumental Complex, the Sansevero Chapel, and Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore that you'll run into along the way. It's not just a steet. It's a cultural & historical local experience that shouldn't be missed. If anything, you can find great souvenirs, street food, and important things (like an ATM).

Friendly & clean. Right on the main cobblestone road of downtown Napoli. Beautiful outdoor…read morebreakfast area in top tourist destination.

We dock here on the Viking's Ocean Cruises to have a scenic tour of Naples. After we got off the…read moreship, the only restroom is very far from the tour bus area, so you have to walk a bit to a back. So my suggestion is to use the restroom before getting on the bus, also the restroom for the handicap was locked for some reason. But I make due with the regular restroom. I didn't see any due free shop near our dock for some reason also.

A huge port with facilities and many shops to check out before you get back on board! Also it's…read moreright across the street from the hustle and bustle of Napoli! An impressive looking building actually!

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!