Constructed in imitation of the Pantheon in Rome, this church was built as an ex voto by Ferdinand I for having regained his lost reign.
According to records, the first stone was laid in 1817 but the building was not completed until 29 years later.
It was designed by the architect Pietro Bianchi.
The church was raised above street level and looks onto Piazza del Plebiscito, opposite the Royal Palace.
Its dome is 53 meters high and is flanked by two smaller side domes.
The pronaos on the facade culminates in a triangular tympanum on which stand the statues representing Religion, St. Ferdinand of Castiglia and St. Francis of Paola.
The imposing colonnade, which gives the square its attractive semi-circular appearance, was designed by Leopoldo Laperuta (early 19th century).
The interior, with its circular plan, contains a fine high altar decorated with an abundance of semi-precious stones, and numerous sculptures and paintings.
The high altar was designed by Fuga, the architect who planned the majestic building in Piazza Carlo III, used for many years as an almshouse.
The elegant square has recently been closed to
traffic and completely renovated.
On the side of the square opposite the church, with its loggia similar to that St. Peter's
Square in Rome, stands the majestic Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), the work of the
architect Domenico Fontana.
Piazza Plebiscito was also known as Largo di Palazzo as it was here that the
people gathered to celebrate while their sovereigns appeared on the palace balconies for
ceremonies, coronations and visits from foreign kings and queens.
In the middle of the square there are the statue of Charles III Bourbon and his son
Ferdinand IV. Ferdinand's statue and his horse are by Canova while Charles' statue is by
Calì.
The city of Naples: Not all but of all on this magnificent city. Sees under a historical and cultural profile. http://www.dentronapoli.it
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