Piazza del Plebiscito

Piazza Plebiscito is a large public squares in central Naples, Italy.

History

It is named for the plebiscite taken on October 2 in 1863 that brought Naples into the unified Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy. Located very closely to the gulf of Naples, it is bounded on the east by the Royal Palace and on the west by the church of San Francesco di Paola with colonnades extending to both sides. Other surrounding buildings include the Palazzo Salerno and, its mirror, the Prefecture Palace (on the left arm of the church).

In the first years of the 19th century, the King of Naples, Murat (Napoleon's brother-in-law), planned the square and building as a tribute to the emperor. Soon after Napoleon was finally dispatched to St Helena, the Bourbons were restored to the throne, and Ferdinand I continued the construction but converted the finished product into the church one sees today. He dedicated it to Saint Francis of Paola, who had stayed in a monastery on this site in the 15th century. The church is reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. The façade is fronted by a portico resting on six columns and two Ionic pillars. Inside, the church is circular with two side chapels. The dome is 53 metres high.

Occasionally, the square is used for open-air concerts. Artists, who have performed here, include Elton John, Maroon 5 and Muse.[1] In May 2013, Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band gave a concert at the venue.[2]

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ "Piazza del Plebiscito Naples Concert Setlists". setlist.fm. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Naples, Italy - Piazza Plabiscito". brucespringsteen.net. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
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