Caserta is an Italian city that has gained popularity among tourists thanks to the legendary Royal Palace (Reggia di Caserta), which is also called the "Versailles of Italy". The architectural ensemble is the largest building built in Europe (Europe) in the XVIII century.
The origin of Caserta remains a mystery to historians. The settlement existed here even before the arrival of the Romans. The Lombards, who conquered Caserta in the 18th century, laid the foundation for the future city. The tower in the center served as an observation point. Today, the historical structure is the palace of the prefecture.
In the XI century, the city was already in Norman power. By 1268, the era of the Anjou dynasty began, and in 1734, as a result of the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735), Caserta came under the control of the younger branch of the Bourbon dynasty - the Neapolitan Bourbons (Borbone di Napoli). This time is considered the peak of development of Caserta. In 1750, Charles VII of Naples decided to build a new residence. It was supposed to be located near Naples, but away from the sea - so that the royal ships were not bothered by the French ships.
Charles VII wished the new palace to become more grandiose than any European palace. He especially wanted to surpass the French Versailles. The architect hiccuped for a long time, but the final choice fell on Luigi Vanvitelli.
The master came to Caserta only in 1751. He worked on the drawings of the palace for more than six months. By November, the project was ready. The first stone was laid in January 1752, on the birthday of Charles VII. The park began to break up a year later. Realizing the grandeur of the project, Vanvitelli attracts promising Roman architects to help.
Judging by the preserved documents, the following works on the construction:
- 458 security guards;
- Lots of locals;
- Convicts (165 people);
- 245 Turks.
In fact, the term “Turks” was used to denote the religious affiliation of slaves, most of whom were brought from northern Africa. The construction was planned to be completed 10 years later, however, in 1759, Charles VII left Italy, and all the affairs of the construction of the palace fell on his successors. Vanvitelli died in 1779, after which the son of the architect Carlo (Carlo Vanvitelli) became the head of the building.
The palace was inhabited by 1780, but construction work continued until 1845.
- We also recommend reading about the Royal Palace in Naples.
The palace in Caserta is represented by a rectangle, inside of which are four spacious courtyards. Division into sectors is decided by cross passages. Passages from one courtyard to another are the middle arches in the cross walls. The length of the facade is 247 meters, the adjacent walls are 185 meters.
The Caserta Palace has 5 floors, the height of the building is 36 meters. The whole complex has about 1200 rooms, of which only half is available for visiting.
The main attractions of the complex are:
- Territorial Museum;
- Museum of Opera;
- Picture gallery.
On the right in the central hall, visitors are greeted by a symmetrical marble staircase. The right side leads to the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina), the left - to a number of large halls. This part of the palace is harmoniously designed in the style of Baroque and Classicism. From the top platform of the staircase opens a view of the opposite wall, decorated with three niches.
By the end of the construction of the palace in Caserta, the fashion for baroque splendor came to naught, and the imitation of the style of Versailles was completed. Therefore, the new halls were made in the style of empire.
As well as in France (Versailles), a large park is set up at the palace. A cascade of fountains is equipped here, shady paths stretch out, gardens turn green, terraces are laid out. Caserta Park lies on 120 hectares of land. It stretched 3 km to the north. The park zone stretches a cascade of fountains and alleys down the hill. A botanical (English) garden has also been created here. It was developed by Carlo Vanvitelli and John Grapple.
The fountain of Diana and Aktion, dolphins, Venus and Adonis stands out especially. Decorating the park with various sculptures gives it a special touch.
The park is divided into 2 large zones:
- In front of the palace is a small auditorium;
- Further north, back in the time of the Neapolitan Bourbons, an English-style landscape park was laid out.
After the death of Luigi Vanvitelli, his son Carlo wanted to preserve his father's idea when creating the park. Its territory expanded extensively to the northwest, which significantly increased construction costs. That is why the fountains became 6 instead of 19.
A network of paths leads the visitor to a hexagonal tower. This is a small castle (Castelluccia), in which the king rested after the end of the hunt. West of the stalls is the Old Forest (Bosco Vecchio). He was here before the castle was built. North of the old forest was equipped with a pool in which fish was grown.
The parterre is followed by a cascade of fountains - Margarita - made quite simply. It consistently placed 4 pools. The prospect ends with the Grand Cascade. Water flowing from the aqueduct pours from a height of 82 meters. Below is a vast pool around which a mythological scene unfolds: Diana, who is going to swim in the company of Actaeon and nymphs.
Heading east, park paths lead into the English Garden (Giardino Inglese). Plants for the garden were collected from different areas of the kingdom. At the northernmost point of the park was built Paseka (Aperia). When the French were engaged in breeding bees, which explains the name of the attraction.
Caserta is located 40 km north of Naples. You can get there on your own by train or own car, as well as visit the palace during an individual excursion.
From naples
You can get to the city by train from Naples from Napoli Centrale Station. He walks every half hour. The trip takes 46 minutes. A ticket costs 3.1 euros.
From rome
From Rome to Caserta, trains leave from Termini Station. The duration of the trip is 1 hour 8 minutes, and the cost of tickets is from 34 to 47.1 euros. If you buy tickets in advance, the price is much lower. We recommend that you buy any train ticket in Italy and check the current schedule only on the official website.
If you are traveling in a rented car, a parking space near the palace costs 1 euro per hour.
- It is noteworthy that since 1997 the palace, together with a park and a botanical garden, has been protected by UNESCO and is included in the list of World Heritage Sites;
- The beauty of the internal and external decoration of the ancient building is used in modern cinema. Star Wars, the movie Mission Impossible 3 and Lady Hamilton were filmed here;
- Here is a gallery of outstanding paintings of the 18th century, royal apartments, a court theater;
- The building features expositions of the Opera Museum and the Territorial Museum.
A magnificent detail of the interior is the front staircase. Nearby is the Pallatine Chapel.
Entrance
The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. In winter, it closes at 3 pm. The palace does not work on Tuesdays, as well as December 25 and January 1. Entrance ticket costs 12 euros (children - 6 euros) and includes visits to the palace, gallery, apartments, English garden and park. A ticket to the palace only - 9 euros.
Actual prices can be checked on the official website of the Royal Palace www.reggiadicaserta.beniculturali.it
Hotels
When visiting the Royal Palace in Caserta, you can stay at one of the hotels. The price for renting a room depends on the location and type of hostel (3, 4 stars, bed and breakfast).
3 stars
Hotel amadeus
Hotel Amadeus is located just 200 meters from Caserta Station. The Royal Palace is no more than 500 meters away. Each room has a private bathroom. Breakfast is served daily.
Hotel caserta antica
Hotel Caserta Antica It is located on a hillside between 2 villages rebuilt in the Middle Ages. Caserta is a 15-minute drive away. It features a large outdoor pool.
4 stars
Grand hotel vanvitelli
Grand Hotel Vanvitelli is located near the airport, and the city center can be reached by car in 5 minutes. The elegant baroque-style rooms are spacious and roomy. There is a rooftop pool surrounded by green trees. The hotel is located in a historic building. Amenities include a minibar and satellite TV channels. Many rooms open onto a large balcony. The hotel's pool is located in the garden with fountains.
Hotel Royal Caserta
The Royal Palace is almost around the corner. There is a train station 50 meters from the hotel. For 10 euros you can park your car in a paid parking lot.
B&B and apartments
B&B Al Dosello
From Hotel Al Dosello The Royal Palace can be reached by car - it is located 5 km from the residence of the Neapolitan kings. Guests have free access to car parking and barbecue facilities.
B&B Montalbano
The cozy Montalbano Bed and Breakfast has a terrace with scenic views of Mount Vesuvius. Comfortable apartments with free Wi-Fi and views and air conditioning will appeal to every tourist.
Outlet and shopping
Shopping in Italian is as much a part of traveling in Italy as visiting a local pizzeria. Caserta is a real mecca for shopping. The local outlet of LA REGGIA DESIGNER OUTLET presents luxury brands such as Patrizia Pepe, Calvin Klein, Prada, Valentino. The outlet is located 8.8 km from the palace, here is the route on the map.
The shopping center Centro Commerciale Campania located opposite the outlet looks so luxurious that it is ready to compete with the Royal Palace.
