Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola) Tours
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In a city home to hundreds of baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance churches, the neoclassical Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola) stands out. Completed by Ferdinand I after his return to the throne—and the ouster of Napoleon and his brother-in-law—the church dominates Piazza del Plebiscito with its portico and oculus reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon.
The Basics
Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ largest public square, and most visitors pass through here during their visit. Travelers anywhere nearby can easily check out the exterior of San Francesco di Paola and step inside to see the oculus and religious art.
Walking and Segway tours take advantage of the church’s proximity to the piazza, Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), and San Carlo Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo) by including all four, though not all visit the church’s interior. Tours led by scholars offer the chance to engage more deeply with the church’s history and religious art. Travelers who would like to explore farther afield can take advantage of tours that combine visits to the church with excursions to Pompeii.
Things to Know Before You Go
- San Francesco di Paola is a must-visit for travelers interested in Naples’ neoclassical architecture.
- The dome and front colonnade are styled after the Pantheon in Rome.
- Entrance to the church is free, though it closes for a few hours in the early afternoon.
- Covered shoulders and knees are required to enter, with strict enforcement on Sundays.
- Photography is not permitted inside.
How to Get There
San Francesco di Paola stands at the center of the colonnade that encircles the western half of Piazza del Plebiscito, directly across from Naples’ Royal Palace. Travelers can take Metro line 1 to Municipio Station and walk south on Via Vittorio Emanuele III past Via San Carlo and Piazza Trieste e Trento. The E6, N1, N3, and R2 bus lines stop nearby.
When to Get There
San Francesco di Paola is open to visitors daily and usually pretty quiet, so there’s rarely a bad time to visit. To see a slice of local life, try attending Mass or checking out a wedding—from a discreet distance. During Christmas and New Year’s Eve the piazza can be crowded, making it more difficult to explore the church in peace.
The Pantheon Connection
The first thing most visitors notice about San Francesco di Paola is its dome ceiling, which has the same semi-open oculus and coffered walls of the much older—and more famous—Pantheon in Rome. The 8-columned portico is also visibly inspired by the Pantheon, while the surrounding colonnade is styled after St. Peter’s Basilica. We can only guess that Napoleon’s brother-in-law, who began the church’s construction, and Ferdinand I, who finished it, emulated two of Rome’s most recognizable buildings to project power.
Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Italy
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Basilica of San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola)
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Naples City Walking Tour (In compliance with the anti-covid rules )
Stroll past Naples’ top attractions on this walking tour. Led by a local guide, see the bustling Spaccanapoli promenade, the Royal Palace and Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. As you walk through the city center, learn the history behind the palaces, churches and monuments from your guide. Top off your tour with a piece of Italian cake at a local cafe in Piazza San Gaetano.
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From
$65.91
From
$65.91
Private Sightseeing Tour in Naples by Vespa
See Naples like a true Italian on this 4.5-hour Vespa tour. Led by an expert driver, hop on the back of a vintage scooter and soak up the city’s history, architecture and old-world charm. Pass top attractions including the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Naples, Parco Virgiliano and Castel Dell'Ovo, hopping off to relax at a local cafe with a cake and coffee (own expense). Enjoy an intimate look at this southern Italian city before returning to your original departure point.
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From
$191.75
Price varies by group size
From
$191.75
Price varies by group size
Private Tour: Naples Sightseeing by Vintage Fiat 500 or Fiat 600
Take a classic Italian ride through Naples on this private, 5-hour tour by vintage Fiat 600. Led by a personal driver, pass the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Naples, Castel Dell'Ovo, Parco Virgiliano and other top attractions. Learn the history behind each major landmark you pass, hopping out to relax with coffee and cake at a local café. Take some time to explore by foot before returning to your original departure point.
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From
$191.75
Price varies by group size
From
$191.75
Price varies by group size
Naples Private City Tour for Kids and Families with Local Guide
Pique your kids’ interest in Naples with this family-friendly city tour, led by a local guide. Making the city’s rich history fun, the tour combines visits to Piazza del Plebiscito and Teatro di San Carlo with quizzes, treasure hunts, trivia, and even iPad games to keep everyone engaged. You’ll choose between a morning or afternoon start time to suit your schedule, and enjoy exploring with a private guide just for your family group.
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From
$136.62
Price varies by group size
From
$136.62
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Naples Segway Tour
Enhance your sightseeing experience of Naples, southern Italy’s largest city, on aaples Segway tour. With a professional guide, cruise the vibrant streets on a smooth and self-balancing Segway and receive a fascinating introduction to Naples’ rich history. Admire popular landmarks like Castel dell’Olvo and the Church of San Francesco di Paolo. Absorb the lively atmosphere surrounding monuments like Piazza Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale). Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only eight people.
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From
$151.83
Price varies by group size
From
$151.83
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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