The palace was built in 1600 by Domenico Fontana in anticipation of an official visit by Philip III... who forgot to go! The palace was then inhabited by the viceroys and the first actual King to stay there was Charles III, only in 1734! The austere façade is decorated with niches that present statues of the eight most important sovereigns of Naples. An immense staircase leads to the apartments and the royal chapel, which is sumptuously decorated and furnished.