- Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza Plebiscito is the largest square in
Naples . It is named for theplebiscite taken in 1860 that brought Naples into the unified Kingdom of Italy under theHouse of Savoy . Located at coord|40|50|9|N|14|14|55|E|region:IT_type:landmark|display=inline,title, it is bounded on the east by the Royal Palace and on the west by the church of San Francesco di Paola with the colonnades extending to both sides.In the first years of the 19th century, the King of Naples was Murat (
Napoleon 's brother-in-law). He planned the square and building as a tribute to the emperor. When Napoleon was finally dispatched, the Bourbons were restored to the throne of Naples.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 16th century. The church is reminiscent of thePantheon inRome . Thefaçade is fronted by a portico resting on six columns and twoIonic pillars. Inside, the church is circular with two side chapels. Thedome is 53 metres high.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.