Plebiscito Square is one of the most beautiful and characteristic squares in Naples Italy whose name derives from the plebiscite, a sort of popular referendum for which in 1860 the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia, which later became the Kingdom of Italy. he current shape of the square, decidedly scenic, consists of a semicircle joined to a rectangle, it is the result of several alterations that have taken place over the centuries, starting from the 1600s.
Until the end of the 16th century it was a dirt widening used for popular festivals. Plebiscito Square was a real open-air theater: tournaments, weddings, carousels and armigers competitions. The square became even more famous for its “cuccagne” in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Spanish viceroys and the Bourbon sovereigns gave orders to set up huge boxes in front of the Royal Palace where, on the occasion of certain anniversaries, all kinds of food were available to the people: chickens, meats, cheeses, cattle. With the growth of the beauty of the Royal Palace of Naples Italy, the square could no longer stand up to the comparison with the majesty of this palace, and therefore a path of interventions began that will then lead it to be what it is today.
In the center of the square there are two equestrian statues of Charles III and Ferdinand I built by Canova and finished by his pupil Calì after the death of his master. The “game” that the people of Naples Italy make the tourists who visit the square play is well known. The tourist will have to be blindfolded and be able to cross the square, following a straight line, starting from the Royal Palace up to cross the space between the two large statues placed not far from the Palace. The slight inclination of the surface of the square will make the blindfolded person veer, preventing him from continuing straight and crossing the two statues. When the person opens his eyes he will be very amazed that he has changed his initial trajectory so much. If you are planning your holiday to visit Naples Italy, visit Plebiscito Square is one of the things to do.
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- Distance 700 meters from Toledo Metro Station
