Italy is known for its exceptional natural beauty, spectacular landscape, and stunning art and architecture. Home to the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, Italy has inherited many stunning architectural jewels. One such rich historical pride is the Royal Palace of Caserta. Built in 1752, Reggia di Caserta was Charles VII’s answer to the rival Palace of Versailles in France. He hired the famous local architect Luigi Vanvitelli for this coveted project. True to its intent this enormous palace with its opulence and class has earned the status of a UNESCO World heritage site. Situated just about 30 kilometers from Naples, this royal residence in the countryside makes for a perfect destination for a day trip from Naples.
Royal Palace of Caserta - In a nutshell
Must-see
The Grand Staircase
Palatine Chapel
English Gardens
Throne Room
Address
Piazza Carlo di Borbone,
81100 Caserta CE, Italy
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Why you should visit the palace?
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a truly magnificent and colossal palace. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks, gardens, water features, and natural woodlands, its 250-meter-long facade is an impressive sight. Inside, you’ll find four courtyards, three grand atriums, and opulent Baroque-style interiors. The palace, known as the Reggia di Caserta, has served as the backdrop for many famous films and is the largest royal residence in the world. Visitors are often left in awe of its soaring, ornate ceilings, embellished columns, stunning statues, and luxurious furnishings. Easily accessible from Naples and the surrounding area, the palace is a must-see for anyone traveling through Southern Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta tickets
History of the Reggia Di Caserta
Inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France, Charles VII, the Bourbon king of Naples, commissioned the construction of the Royal Palace of Caserta in 1752. His grand vision was to create not just a palace but an entire city, housing the royal court, important officials, and various institutions, including a university, museum, library, and government offices, all within one vast complex. The renowned Neapolitan architect Luigi Vanvitelli was tasked with bringing this ambitious project to life.
However, while the palace was still under construction, Charles VII had to abdicate the throne in 1759 to become the king of Spain, leaving him unable to reside in the Reggia di Caserta. The construction was completed in 1780 under the reign of his third son, Ferdinand IV, with the work overseen by Vanvitelli's son, Carlo, after Luigi’s passing. Once finished, the palace became the largest royal residence in the world, covering 235,000 square meters and surrounded by hundreds of hectares of parks and gardens.
Architecture of the Palace
Though inspired by the Palace of Versailles, the Reggia di Caserta surpasses it in both scale and splendor. This neoclassical masterpiece spans five floors, with an imposing 250-meter facade, 1,200 rooms, 1,790 windows, and 34 staircases. Divided between common areas and royal apartments, the palace is a showcase of opulence. Its vast frescoed ceilings, gilded decorations, intricate carvings, dazzling chandeliers, and Baroque furnishings all exude grandeur.
One of the palace’s most iconic features is the Grand Staircase, which boasts two parallel staircases adorned with large marble statues of lions. The elegant archways that lead to the Palatine Chapel—modeled after the chapel of the same name in Versailles—are equally impressive. The Royal Palace of Caserta also houses the unique Terrae Motus art collection and its exquisite Royal Court Theater, which is now open to the public.
Encompassing 120 hectares of greenery, the palace gardens, designed in the 1780s, are a prime example of Baroque landscaping. Stretching into the surrounding hills, the park features cascading waterfalls, serene streams, and the magnificent Fountain of Diana. Within this expansive park lies the famous English Garden, or Giardino Inglese, with its romantic pathways, exotic plant species, tranquil pools, and delightful cascades that provide a feast for the senses.
Must see at the Royal Palace of Caserta
The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase is a stunning architectural marvel, featuring two parallel staircases designed with the grandeur of 17th-century scenographic arts. Rising 32 meters, the staircase links the lower and upper vestibules. As you ascend, the large marble statues of lions and the majestic statues representing Royal Majesty, Merit, and Truth captivate your attention. The staircases culminate in elegant temple-like arches and columns, leading directly to the Palatine Chapel.
Palatine Chapel
Inspired by the Palatine Chapel at Versailles, this chapel at Reggia di Caserta has exceeded its inspiration in terms of architectural brilliance. The neoclassical design harmoniously blends Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque styles. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged by bombings during World War II, which destroyed its ceiling, columns, walls, and invaluable artwork. However, extensive restoration efforts over the years have returned it to its former splendor.
English Gardens
The English Garden was designed by the English gardener John Andrew Graefer and architect Carlo Vanvitelli at the personal request of Queen Maria Carolina. Spanning 24 hectares, the garden is full of rare plants from around the world, along with carefully crafted hills, meadows, ponds, and canals. The garden also features orangeries and greenhouses that house rare botanical species, making it a botanical treasure.
Throne Room
Completed in 1845, the Throne Room is an impressive 40 meters in length, with walls lined by 28 fluted twin Corinthian columns. The ceiling showcases a magnificent fresco, The Laying of the First Stone of the Royal Palace of Caserta, painted by Gennaro Maldarelli in 1844. This grand room, along with the adjacent Astrea Room and Mars Room, served as reception spaces for dignitaries and important guests.
Practical information
Timings
The Royal Palace of Caserta is open on all days of the week except on Tuesdays. Each section within the Palace has a different timing through which it is open:
- Royal Apartments: 8:30am - 7:30pm with the last admission at 6:15pm
- Royal Park: Jan - 8:30am to 4pm, Feb - 8:30am to 4:30pm, Mar - 8:30am to 5pm, Apr to Sept - 8:30am to 7pm, Oct - 8:30am to 5:30pm, Nov to Dec - 8:30am to 3:30pm
- English Garden: Jan - 8:30am to 3pm, Feb - 8:30am to 3:30pm, Mar - 8:30am to 4pm, Apr to Sept - 8:30am to 6pm, Oct - 8:30am to 5pm, Nov - 8:30am to 3pm, Dec - 8:30am to 2:30pm
How to get there:
- Caserta, Italy located at the edge of Campania, is about 35 kms from Naples and about 54 kms from Pompeii and about 170 kms from Rome.
- To get to Caserta from Rome or Pompeii, one needs to take a train to ‘Napoli Centrale' station in Naples, from where there are multiple trains to Caserta. It takes about 45 mins by train from Naples to Caserta. The station is just across the street and hardly takes 5 mins to walk.
- One can also go from Naples to Caserta conveniently by car. Reasonable underground parking is easily available.
- If you don't want to worry about booking tickets from Naples, you can simply opt the Royal Palace of Caserta Tickets with Round-Trip Shuttle Transfers. You'll be taken in a comfortable car to the palace from Naples.
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Tips
- The Royal Palace of Caserta and its gardens are huge. Be prepared for a long walk and at least 4 hours of time to explore the palace comfortably. To this end, ensure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
- The Palace of Caserta draws a huge number of visitors specially during weekends and public holidays. It is good idea to buy skip the line tickets online to save time and avoid hassle.
- Check for special cultural events, concerts, or any other programmes, and if possible plan a day accordingly.
- It is a good idea to take the paid shuttle to the English Garden as the long and straight walk can get very tiring.
- Different sections of the palace of Caserta have different opening hours. Check the timings carefully to plan and save yourself from disappointment.
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