Caserta: Complete Guide to the Royal Palace and Art Treasures

Welcome to Caserta, a jewel of Campania that houses one of Europe's most extraordinary artistic heritage sites. This elegant city, located in the heart of Terra di Lavoro, is universally known for its magnificent Bourbon Royal Palace, defined by UNESCO as "the last great achievement of Italian Baroque." But Caserta is not just the Royal Palace: it's a territory rich in history, art and traditions that will captivate you with its timeless beauty.

The city was born from the will of Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century as the new capital of the Kingdom of Naples, an ambitious project that was to rival Versailles. Today, walking through its streets, you can still breathe that royal atmosphere that permeates every corner, from the majestic architecture to the gardens that seem painted by an artist's brush.

The Royal Palace of Caserta: The World's Largest Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Caserta is undoubtedly the beating heart of the city and one of the world's most important architectural wonders. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli in 1752, this palace is the world's largest royal palace by volume, with its 1,200 rooms distributed over 47,000 square meters.

Passing through the majestic entrance, you'll find yourself in the magnificent Grand Staircase, a masterpiece of polychrome marble that will lead you to the Royal Apartments. The halls follow one after another in a triumph of frescoes, golden stuccos and period furnishings that tell the story of Bourbon court life.

The Historic Apartments

Don't miss the visit to:

• Throne Room: where the king received ambassadors
• Historic Apartment: with original 18th-century furniture
• Picture Gallery: housing works by Neapolitan and foreign artists
• 19th-Century Apartment: testimony to Joachim Murat's taste

The Royal Gardens: A Paradise of Beauty and Nature

The palace gardens extend for 3 kilometers in a straight line towards the slopes of Mount Briano, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. This Italian-style park is a perfect example of 18th-century garden art, where geometry and nature merge in perfect harmony.

The main avenue will lead you through a series of spectacular fountains, each with its own history and symbolism. The Fountain of Diana and Actaeon represents the culmination of this artistic journey: here mythology comes to life through sculptures that seem to dance in crystal-clear water.

The Great Waterfall

You cannot leave Caserta without having seen the Great Waterfall, 78 meters high, which descends from the mountain slopes creating a natural spectacle of rare beauty. The sound of cascading water will accompany your walk in this corner of paradise.

The English Garden: A Jewel within a Jewel

Within the royal park hides another treasure: the English Garden, desired by Queen Maria Carolina of Austria. This landscape garden, in stark contrast to the geometry of the main park, offers romantic scenery with small lakes, artificial grottos and fake ruins that create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Here you can admire the Bath of Venus, an evocative scenography where the goddess's statue emerges from the waters in a play of lights and reflections that changes with the hours of the day.

Casertavecchia: The Medieval Village

A few kilometers from Caserta's center, on the hill overlooking the plain, stands Casertavecchia, the ancient medieval village that represents the historical soul of the territory. This enchanting town, founded in the 8th century, will transport you back in time with its cobblestone streets and millennial monuments.

The Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture, is this village's jewel. Its facade, enriched with marble and tuff inlays, tells centuries of history through every decoration.

What to See in Casertavecchia

• Cathedral of Saint Michael: unique example of Norman art
• Church of the Annunciation: with 14th-century frescoes
• Castle ruins: breathtaking panorama over the plain
• Historic center: artisan shops and typical restaurants

Art and Culture in the Historic Center

Modern Caserta's center offers interesting cultural insights that complete the city visit. Stroll along Corso Trieste, the city's elegant promenade, where you can admire historic palaces and shop in traditional stores.

Don't miss the visit to the Municipal Theater, a small 19th-century jewel that still hosts high-level opera and theater seasons. Its perfect acoustics and elegant interiors make it one of Campania's most appreciated theaters.

Practical Information for Your Visit

To best visit Caserta and its treasures, here are some practical tips that will make your stay unforgettable:

Hours and Tickets

• Royal Palace of Caserta: open every day except Tuesday, hours 8:30-19:30
• Royal Gardens: close one hour before sunset
• Royal Apartments: guided tours available in multiple languages
• Combined ticket: recommended to visit palace and gardens

How to Get There

Caserta is easily reachable from Naples by train (Circumvesuviana line) in about 40 minutes. By car, the A1 highway has a dedicated exit. The railway station is only 500 meters from the Royal Palace, making the visit very convenient even for those arriving by public transport.

"The Royal Palace of Caserta is not just a palace, it's an entire world where art, history and nature meet to create something unique in the world."

Caserta awaits you to give you unforgettable emotions. Whether you're passionate about history, lovers of art or simply seeking beauty, this city will captivate you with its timeless magnificence. Plan at least a full day for your visit: it's truly worth it!