The Royal Palace of Caserta, one of the most important historic buildings of Italian Baroque, is located just 40 minutes from Naples and is easily accessible by car or train.
Visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta is really easy. Keep reading our guide to find out more.
The Royal Palace of Caserta: from Charles' dream to Vanvitelli's project
The Royal Palace of Caserta was designed in the second half of the 18th century by the Campanian architect Luigi Vanvitelli, already considered at the time one of the most important interpreters of the Baroque style, following the precise instructions of the King of Naples, Charles of Bourbon.
The young Spanish monarch, who ascended to the throne at just eighteen years of age, launched a policy of strong renewal for a kingdom that had been heavily marked by two centuries of foreign rule.
His project, destined to transform the fortunes of the entire area, began with the purchase of the fiefdom of nearby Caserta. He wanted a structure in harmony with its surroundings that would benefit the entire Caserta area, making the new Palace a tangible symbol of his enlightened power.
Work began on 20 January 1752, the king's thirty-sixth birthday, with the laying of the foundation stone for a structure that involved the entire Caserta area, as demonstrated by the construction of the Carolino Aqueduct, which supplied water not only to the Royal Palace but also to the surrounding areas.
When King Charles was forced to return to Madrid to succeed his brother to the Spanish throne, and following the death of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli in 1773, work slowed considerably. After several months of deadlock, management of the vast construction site was entrusted to Luigi's son, Carlo Vanvitelli, who continued his father's ideas despite some reductions caused by the kingdom's financial crisis. Work continued for several years until the Royal Palace was completed in 1845, and it is today considered the last great example of Italian Baroque architecture.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Royal Palace became state property after having been acquired by the House of Savoy following the unification of Italy.
What to see at the Royal Palace of Caserta in one day
We have prepared a list of the best things to see at the Royal Palace of Caserta so you can enjoy its beauty at your own pace. It could be the perfect opportunity for a walking holiday among the treasures of Naples, the masterpieces of the Amalfi Coast and the natural treasure of Cilento. Thanks to its extraordinary beauty, the Royal Palace of Caserta is considered one of the most beautiful royal residences in the world:
- Royal Palace
- Royal Park
- English Garden
- The Carolino Aqueduct
And now, let’s discover together the most incredible secrets of the Royal Palace of Caserta!
Royal Palace
What we can still admire today is the result of the architectural genius of Luigi Vanvitelli, who was commissioned to design a residence that would bear witness to the grandeur of the royal family.
To achieve this, he had to tackle the challenge of organising immense spaces without having any comparable buildings of the period to use as a reference. Taking into account the needs of the king and the royal family, Vanvitelli devised an innovative structure spread over several floors, connected by numerous staircases, both horizontally and vertically.
All these elements stand in sharp contrast to the structure of the external façade, which appears linear and understated. Visitors are therefore struck by the contrast between the two environments and remain, even today, captivated by their unexpected forms.
Once through the imposing entrance portal, an ingenious architectural device directs the viewer's gaze along a perspective that ends in the Royal Park. This is just a small preview of what lies ahead, because the majestic Vanvitelli Grand Staircase then draws the visitor's attention back to the immense architectural structure, leading towards the Royal Apartments.
At the head of the staircase are three sculptures, two of which represent Merit and Truth, the qualities required of a sovereign to rule well. At the centre stands Royal Majesty, representing Charles of Bourbon himself, solemnly wrapped in drapery and depicted with the royal crown firmly upon his head and a sceptre featuring an open eye with which he dominates and controls the entire kingdom.
Every room is a triumph of gold and stucco, enhanced by precious busts of rulers of the kingdom and graceful depictions of deities.
Visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta is like stepping back into the 18th century, which finds its highest expression in Italy here.
Royal Park
Theatricality, illusion, wonder and enchantment of the senses: these are the elements of the Baroque garden, designed by Luigi and completed by his son Carlo.
Created according to the wishes of the king and his successor Ferdinand IV, the project is the perfect synthesis of the Italian Renaissance model and the innovations introduced at Versailles by French architects.
The long central axis contributes to the creation of the so-called “telescope effect”, giving the impression, immediately after entering through the main entrance, of a connection between the Royal Palace and nearby Naples, which are in fact linked by an architectural illusion.
With the creation of the Park, the young king fulfilled his dream of a structure that could develop in harmony with its surroundings. A sustainable project, as we would call it today, since the aqueduct supplied water not only to the Royal Palace of Caserta but also to other towns scattered along the waterway. Before reaching the Park, in fact, some branches of the aqueduct supplied other settlements in the area, while others, such as the San Benedetto Branch, were used to strengthen Naples' water network.
On either side of the Park are other spaces, immense gardens and wild landscapes enriched by delightful fragments of art, creating a lush green labyrinth, as in the case of the English Garden.
English Garden
The English Garden was created at the request of Queen Maria Carolina and completes the landscape design of the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Luigi's son, Carlo, created a garden with a refined Romantic style inspired by England, and therefore dominated by wild elements, ruins and Neoclassical statues. Here, the style found in the gardens of European aristocracy was influenced by the recent discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum, contributing to the creation of an environment with a strong dreamlike quality. This is particularly evident in the stylistic choice of the Goddess Venus, whose sinuous figure is depicted emerging from the water, surrounded by ferns and maidenhair. To the visitor, it feels as though they are observing the goddess in a rare intimate moment and, not wishing to disturb her, they continue on their journey.
The Carolino Aqueduct
Water is the true protagonist of the landscape design of the Royal Palace of Caserta, not only because of the effects that still amaze visitors today, as they did in the past, but also because of the stylistic refinement of the Carolino Aqueduct, a remarkable feat of engineering featuring a system of basins at the height of the waterfall.
Charles' project was much more ambitious and was made possible by the research of architect Luigi Vanvitelli. Unable to find the famous Roman aqueduct nearby, he turned his attention to the lands of the Duke of Airola, where he finally found a water source capable of supplying the Royal Palace of Caserta and the entire surrounding area.
What to do at the Royal Palace of Caserta - the Slow Active Tours proposal
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a place where art, science and landscape find a perfect balance. Every element is enhanced by the architectural vitality of the complex, making it, as a whole, a unique place to visit, following your own instincts.
Are you reading this article and already looking forward to visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta and Campania?
Discover our travel proposals and set off on your next adventure!
Naples and the most beautiful trails of the Amalfi Coast
Individual trekking tour
Trekking on the Amalfi Coast
Individual
Trekking in Campania
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Ciclovia dei Borboni
Private cycling tour
Trekking on the Cammino di San Nilo
Individual trip, from Sapri to Palinuro
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and let’s go!
