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Royal Palace of Caserta: A Bourbon Masterpiece

Explore the Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO site: opulent palace, stunning gardens, and a glimpse into Bourbon history near Naples.

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The Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning testament to Italian Baroque architecture and Bourbon ambition. Commissioned by Charles VII of Naples in 1752 to rival Versailles, this immense palace boasts opulent interiors, sprawling gardens, and a rich history that draws visitors from around the globe.

A brief summary to Royal Palace of Caserta

  • Monday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the palace complex is vast and requires a lot of walking.
  • Allocate at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit, including the palace interiors and gardens.
  • Consider visiting during spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom.
  • Check the official website for special events or exhibitions happening during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Caserta Train Station, the Royal Palace is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Exit the station on the Piazza Carlo di Borbone side and head straight across the square towards the palace entrance. Clear signs guide you to the 'Reggia di Caserta'.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines (01-CE, 03-NA, 07-CE, etc.) stop near the Royal Palace. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the bus stop 'Caserta – Stazione FS', it's a short walk to the palace entrance.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A1 motorway and exit at Caserta Nord, following signs for Caserta. Alternatively, from the A30, exit at Caserta Sud. On-site parking is available but can be crowded. Several other parking lots are within walking distance, including Parcheggio Jolly H24 Caserta and Park San Carlo. Expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour for parking.

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Discover more about Royal Palace of Caserta

The Royal Palace of Caserta, or Reggia di Caserta, stands as a monumental achievement of the Italian Baroque period. Charles VII of Naples (later Charles III of Spain) commissioned Luigi Vanvitelli to design a palace and gardens that would not only serve as the main royal residence but also project the power and grandeur of the Bourbon monarchy. Construction began in 1752, with the design intended to create a new capital city for the kingdom. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Caserta surpasses it in sheer volume, boasting over 2 million cubic meters. The palace itself features a rectangular plan with four inner courtyards, 1,200 rooms, and thousands of windows. Inside, visitors can explore the lavish royal apartments, adorned with frescoes, gilded decorations, and period furnishings. The Palatine Chapel, inspired by the chapel at Versailles, showcases a blend of architectural styles and has been painstakingly restored after damage sustained during World War II. The Royal Court Theater, with its classical horseshoe shape, is another highlight. The palace's gardens extend over 120 hectares, featuring a blend of Italian and English garden styles. The meticulously designed Italian garden boasts fountains, cascades, and geometric flowerbeds, while the English Garden offers a more naturalistic landscape with rare and precious plants from around the world. The gardens lead to the impressive Fountain of Diana and Actaeon, with a large waterfall as a backdrop. Beyond its architectural and artistic splendor, the Royal Palace of Caserta holds historical significance. It served as the site for the signing of the unconditional surrender of German forces in Italy during World War II. Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major cultural attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence and power of the Bourbon dynasty.

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