Reggia di Caserta
Caserta
FamousHistory & archaeology
The story
Vanvitelli's grand staircase, then three kilometres of garden climbing all the way to the waterfall, among fountains and mythological statues designed to astonish the Bourbons.
Access
€ 12 apartments / 9 park, closed Tuesdays; train from Garibaldi ~40-60 min ~€4
The story
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is the royal residence willed by Charles of Bourbon to make the new capital of the Kingdom the rival of Versailles. The first stone was laid on 20 January 1752 to a design by Luigi Vanvitelli; the works continued for almost a century, until 1845. With the Carolino Aqueduct and the Belvedere of San Leucio it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, and is today among the most visited museums in Italy (over a million visitors a year).
What to see
The Royal Apartments with Vanvitelli's monumental staircase, the state rooms and the court theatre; and above all the Park, which stretches for three kilometres in a succession of basins, cascades and fountains up to the Great Waterfall, with the English Garden beside it. It is the largest royal palace in the world by volume.
How to get there
- Metro
Tips
The park is enormous: reckon on a whole day, and consider the shuttle or the internal bike to reach the Great Waterfall without wearing yourself out. Book the ticket online in peak periods. Hours and fares change with the season: check them on the official site. It is easily reached by train (Caserta station is in front of the Palace).
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Royal Palace of Caserta?
Luigi Vanvitelli, at the will of Charles of Bourbon; the first stone was laid in 1752 and the works ended in 1845.
Is the Royal Palace of Caserta a UNESCO site?
Yes, since 1997, together with the Carolino Aqueduct and the complex of San Leucio.
How much time is needed to visit the Royal Palace of Caserta?
A whole day: to the Royal Apartments is added the park, about three kilometres long up to the Great Waterfall.
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