Piazza Plebiscito is one of the largest squares in Naples. 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.
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 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. In May 2013, Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band gave a concert at the venue.
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