Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola — Attraction in Naples

The Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco di Paola is one of the most important and visually striking churches in Naples. Located in the monumental Piazza del Plebiscito, it is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Roman Pantheon. Dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, the basilica is not only a symbol of religious devotion but also a testament to the city’s Bourbon heritage.

History Origins: • The basilica was commissioned by Ferdinand I of Bourbon in 1816 after he regained the throne of Naples following Napoleon’s defeat. • The king vowed to dedicate a church to San Francesco di Paola, a revered saint, in gratitude for his restoration to power. • Construction began in 1817 and was completed in 1846. Architect: • Designed by Pietro Bianchi, the basilica showcases a harmonious blend of Neoclassical proportions and traditional Catholic symbolism.

Architecture and Features Exterior: • Portico: The basilica features an imposing portico with six Ionic columns and two pilasters, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. • Dome: The enormous dome dominates the skyline of Piazza del Plebiscito and serves as a focal point of the square. Interior: • The interior is designed in the shape of a Greek cross, with a central dome supported by sixteen Corinthian columns. • The main altar, made of precious marbles, is dedicated to San Francesco di Paola. • The walls and chapels are adorned with frescoes, sculptures, and paintings created by renowned Neapolitan artists of the time. Side Chapels: • The basilica contains several chapels dedicated to different saints and themes, including Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Michael the Archangel, and the Virgin Mary. • The artwork in the chapels includes beautiful depictions of Biblical scenes and figures. Monumentality: • With its massive scale and harmonious proportions, the basilica exudes grandeur and reflects the Bourbon monarchy’s emphasis on blending power with spirituality.

Religious Significance • The church is dedicated to San Francesco di Paola, a 15th-century saint who founded the Order of Minims and is venerated for his piety and miraculous deeds. • It remains an active place of worship and a site of deep spiritual significance for the faithful.

Location • The basilica stands at the western end of Piazza del Plebiscito, facing the Royal Palace of Naples. • Its prominent position within one of Naples’ most famous squares makes it a central landmark for both tourists and locals.

Visiting Information • Opening Hours: The basilica is generally open to the public, but hours may vary depending on religious services and events. • Entrance Fee: Entry to the basilica is typically free, although donations are welcome. • Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly, as it is a place of worship.

Why Visit?

The Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco di Paola is a must-visit for anyone exploring Naples. Its impressive architecture, historical significance, and serene interior provide a unique insight into the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Piazza del Plebiscito, it is a testament to Naples’ enduring artistic and...

I have been in love with the unique Italian architecture since childhood. I have read so many documentary texts and heard of those who know so many stories about how architects, engineers and builders from the Italian lands built almost everywhere on the whole Earth, built such famous buildings all over the world. Their names and surnames are found everywhere. Now imagine what should have been in Italy itself... And yes, of course it is, Rome, Naples, Florence and all of Italy are full of magnificent, most brilliant buildings. It is exactly what this magnificent place is, around this huge beautiful square. This basilica made an indelible impression on me. It is incredible, perfect on the outside and shockingly grandiose and beautiful on the inside. Everyone should see all this with their own eyes. I have already repeated in several places that only one unpleasant moment upsets me. Around this square, inside the adjacent shiny colonnade, it is very unclean, there is a lot of uncleanness and a bad smell, homeless people live there and they don’t clean it. And so it is in many places of this unique city. I think that Naples should solve this big and very unpleasant problem as soon...

La basilica reale pontificia di San Francesco di Paola è una basilica minore di Napoli, ubicata in piazza del Plebiscito, nel centro storico; è considerata uno dei più importanti esempi di architettura neoclassica in Italia. L'arrivo di Gioacchino Murat a Napoli coincise con l'inizio di un progetto di riassetto urbanistico della città: in particolare, questo interessò quella zona periferica, che diventerà in seguito piazza del Plebiscito, sede di numerosi conventi e giardini, nonché luogo frequentato da malviventi. Il generale francese ordinò quindi l'abbattimento di tutti gli edifici e la costruzione di una piazza che avrebbe dovuto prendere il nome di Gran Foro Gioacchino: tra i progetti presentati venne scelto dal Consiglio degli Edifici Civili, in assenso con l'architetto di Casa Reale Antonio De Simone, quello di Leopoldo Laperuta, il quale proponeva l'edificazione di un porticato con al centro un'aula circolare da utilizzare come sede di assemblee popolari. I lavori iniziarono nel 1809, tuttavia non vennero mai portati a compimento per via della cacciata di Gioacchino Murat da Napoli e della restaurazione della corona borbonica: Ferdinando I delle Due Sicilie quindi, come voto nei confronti di san Francesco da Paola, che aveva intercesso per lui affinché ritornasse sul trono del Regno, decise la costruzione di una chiesa al centro del costruendo porticato. Venne indetto un concorso che fu vinto dall'architetto ticinese Pietro Bianchi, il quale aveva in parte rispolverato il vecchio progetto di Laperuta, oltre a soddisfare tutte le richieste del re, come quella dell'altezza della cupola che non doveva superare il Palazzo Reale, posto proprio di fronte: i lavori furono appaltati a Domenico Barbaja e la prima pietra venne posta il 17 giugno 1816; la facciata fu terminata nel 1824, le decorazioni interne nel 1836, mentre le statue furono poste nel 1839. In definitiva la chiesa fu conclusa nel 1846, rispecchiando pienamente quello che era il gusto neoclassico ed ispirandosi nelle forme al Pantheon di Roma, oltretutto, grazie al privilegio concesso da papa Gregorio XVI, fu la prima chiesa di Napoli ad avere...