Destinations · Campania
Royal Palace of Caserta the palace of the Bourbons
Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon to rival Versailles, it is one of the largest royal residences in Europe, with a park that stretches for three kilometres to a waterfall.
The dream of Charles of Bourbon
In the mid-eighteenth century Charles of Bourbon wanted a new capital away from the sea and from Vesuvius. He entrusted the project to the architect Luigi Vanvitelli: the first stone was laid on 20 January 1752. After Vanvitelli’s death in 1773, the work was continued by his son Carlo.
The result is a palace with around 1,200 rooms, inner courtyards, the Palatine Chapel and a court theatre. In April 1945, in one of its halls, the surrender of the German forces in Italy was signed.
Three kilometres of water
From the palace an avenue of pools and fountains climbs for about three kilometres to the Great Waterfall. The water comes from the Carolino Aqueduct, a 38-kilometre feat of engineering also designed by Vanvitelli.
Next to it lies the English Garden created for Queen Maria Carolina. Since 1997 the palace, the Carolino Aqueduct and the silk village of San Leucio have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not to be missed at the Royal Palace
The Grand Staircase
The first breathtaking sight, among marble and lions.
The Royal Apartments
The Bourbon rooms with their furnishings and frescoes.
The Palatine Chapel
Inspired by the one at Versailles.
The Park and the Great Waterfall
Three kilometres of perspective among pools and statues.
The English Garden
Rare plants and romantic fake ruins.
San Leucio
The silk village founded by Ferdinand IV.
Before you go
Along the A1 motorway, towards Rome.
The park alone needs at least a couple of hours.
Always check opening times on the official website before you go.
The palace in the morning, the city in the afternoon.
The park is long and gently uphill: inside there’s a shuttle bus and bikes to hire. I’ll drop you at the entrance and pick you up when you’ve finished.
Approximate times, without traffic.
A morning at the Royal Palace, without worrying about trains and parking.
Tolls and parking are always included. Carlo checks availability and replies within 24 hours.
