Our second day in Naples started with a quick trip to the supermarket, and then, after putting our groceries away, we set out to do some more exploring.

The Distaccamento Quartier Generale della Marina Militare di Napoli was at the end of our street, at Via Santa Lucia, #2.

A plaque, on the corner of the building, honors all of those who lost their lives fighting the wars in Africa.

Looking as if it is being squeezed between two larger buildings, the Basilica di Santa Lucia a Mare is at Via Santa Lucia, #3.  According to legend, the church was founded by a niece of Emperor Constantine.  The church was rebuilt after suffering damage from a bombing in World War II.  Another legend has it that the famous actor, Toto, in 1957, was suffering from a serious eye condition that had prevented him from working.  He came to the church to pray.  A few months later, his eyes had improved enough for him to return to work.  We chose not to try and enter the church, because of the large group of people gathered in front.

The Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest squares in the city, and in Italy.  The piazza has had many names since its original construction.  It took on the name we know it by today in 1850, after the plebiscite of October 4th decreed the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, to the Kingdom of Italy.

The Palazzo della Prefettura houses the Prefecture of Naples.  It dates from 1815, and was designed by the architect, Leopoldo Laperuta.

The equestrian monument to Ferdinand I was designed by Antonio Canova.  Canova actually created the horse, but died before he could finish the rest of the piece.  The work was completed by the artist, Antonio Calì.

The equestrian monument to Carlo III is also the work of Antonio Canova, and dates from 1815.  The horse was actually meant to be part of a monument to Napoleon, but with the end of his reign, Canova turned it into a monument for Charles of Bourbon.  The monument suffered damage during a bombing in World War I, but was quickly repaired.

 

Next up: We continue to explore the fascinating city of Naples!

 

<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Naples, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!</em>