The Royal Palace of Naples is a spectacular Italian Baroque and Neo-Classical palace located in the heart of the city. Built in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana, it was intended to host King Philip III of Spain on his visit to Naples; however, instead it became a royal residence for the House of Bourbon during their rule of the Kingdom of Naples. It is the site of the well-known Teatro San Carlo theatre, the smaller Teatrino di Corte, the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III Museum, and many more intriguing attractions. You can marvel at the elaborate façade facing Piazza del Plebiscito, take in the grandeur of the interior frescoes, or walk through its gardens and courtyards.

Originally, only royals and their guests were allowed inside its gates, but it’s now open to anyone who wants to wander along tree-lined pathways or enjoy postcard-worthy views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.