Piazza del Plebiscito is undoubtedly the most famous square in Naples, but also the largest and the most representative. Yet until the early nineties, it was reduced to a large parking lot, while the area in front of the Royal Palace was a multi-lane highway. The square’s name celebrates a plebiscite in which 21 October 1860 Southern Italy, the then Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, was united to Piedmont of Savoy. Before that date, the square was called off the Palace, because stretched in front of the Royal Palace. The square is well defined in its spaces of four buildings: the church of San Francesco di Paola, the Royal Palace, the Palace and the Palace of the Guest Salerno. In the center stand two equestrian statues by Antonio Canova, depicting Ferdinand I and Charles III of Bourbon. The area of the square, once called off Holy Spirit even before assuming his current disposition, had always been used to big celebrations, events and festivals. Even today, continuing the ancient tradition, Piazza del Plebiscito is home to the most important events of the city, such as the celebration of the New Year, the new Piedigrotta festival, international equestrian competitions, concerts, political rallies and even the celebrations for the sporting success of the team football Naples.
