Napoli Royal Palace of Naples is one of the most important and beautiful palaces in Italy. Located in the historic center of Naples, it is a majestic building that has been the residence of the Bourbon kings since the 18th century. Its construction began in 1738, and it was completed in 1760. It was built by the architect Ferdinando Fuga, who was inspired by the Baroque style.
History
The first of the Bourbon monarchs to live in the palace was Charles III of Naples, who chose it as his residence in 1734. In 1759, his son Ferdinand IV of Naples enlarged and refurbished the palace. He added two new wings, the grand staircase and the chapel. In the 19th century, the palace was expanded even more with the addition of the new wing, the Salone delle Feste, and the Teatro di Corte. The palace was the residence of the Bourbons until the end of the monarchy in 1860.
Architecture
The palace is a magnificent building in the Baroque style. It is composed of three wings and a central court. The main facade is decorated with statues and the coat of arms of the Bourbons. The entrance is through the grand staircase, which is decorated with frescoes and sculptures. The interior of the palace is richly decorated with frescoes, sculptures and stucco. It also has a collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and many others.
The Royal Apartments
The royal apartments of the palace are a masterpiece of Baroque art. They are composed of a series of rooms, each of which is decorated with frescoes, paintings and stucco. The most important of these rooms is the Throne Room, where the king received visitors and held audiences. The other rooms include the King’s Bedroom, the Queen’s Bedroom, the Dining Room, the Library and the Ballroom.
The Gardens
The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The gardens were designed by the famous landscape architect, Giuseppe Vasi, and are composed of terraces, flower beds, fountains and statues. The most famous of these is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which was designed by Bernini. The gardens are open to the public and are a popular destination for tourists.
The Museum
The palace also houses the Royal Palace Museum, which contains a collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture from the Bourbon era. The museum also has a collection of ancient Roman and Greek artifacts, as well as a library with over 15,000 books. The museum is open to the public and is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Naples.
Conclusion
Napoli Royal Palace of Naples is one of the most beautiful and important palaces in Italy. It has a rich history and is a great example of Baroque architecture. The palace is open to the public and is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Naples.