The Royal Palace of Caserta (in Italian: Reggia di Caserta) is a breathtaking palace in Baroque and Rococo style located in the Campania region of Italy, in the city of Caserta, which is near Naples.
The palace is considered one of the largest and most magnificent royal residences in Europe, and is often referred to as the „Versailles of Southern Italy„. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
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About the Royal Palace of Caserta
The history of the Royal Palace of Caserta
The palace was commissioned by King Charles III of Spain (who was also King of Naples and Sicily) in the mid-18th century. The king wanted the palace to compete with Europe’s largest royal residences, such as the Palace of Versailles, and to be worthy of the power and wealth of the Bourbon dynasty.
Construction began in 1752 under the direction of architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who was one of the most significant figures in Italian Baroque architecture. Although the palace was never completely finished during Vanvitelli’s lifetime, the work was continued thanks to his son, Carlo Vanvitelli.
Architecture and interior spaces
The Caserta Palace is impressive with its grandiose dimensions: 247 meters long, 5 stories high, and featuring more than 1,200 rooms, 34 staircases, and 1,742 windows. The interior is richly decorated: frescoes, statues, marble columns, and inlaid floors make the rooms exceptional.
- Throne Room: The central part of the palace is the ornate Throne Room, adorned with gilded decorations, wonderful frescoes, and enormous chandeliers. This room served as the venue for royal ceremonies and receptions.
- Chapel: The palace’s imposing royal chapel is reminiscent of the Versailles chapel and boasts fine Baroque decorations. Royal weddings and religious ceremonies were held here.
- Theater: The palace also includes a smaller theater designed for performances by the Bourbon court. The theater has wonderful acoustics and an elegant interior.
The Palace Park and Gardens
The park of the Caserta Palace is also impressive, extending in a seemingly endless axis behind the palace, covering about 120 hectares. The garden is decorated with fountains, artificial lakes, waterfalls, and statues that harmoniously blend with the surrounding hills.
The palace’s famous English garden was commissioned by King Ferdinand III’s wife, Maria Carolina. This English-style garden is enriched with exotic plants, artificial lakes, and romantic pavilions.
One of the central elements of the palace park is the huge waterfall located at the end of a long canal. Along the water’s path, fountains depict mythological scenes, such as the story of Diana and Actaeon.
The role of the Caserta Palace in history
The palace was one of the most important residences of the Bourbon dynasty and became the venue for numerous historical events. During World War II, the building was used as headquarters by the Allied forces, and the agreement on the surrender of German forces in Italy was signed here in 1945.
The Caserta Palace in modern culture
It is not only a special attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts but may also be familiar to film fans. It has been the filming location for numerous famous movies; for example, some scenes from Spaceballs and Star Wars were filmed here. The palace’s grandiose spaces and classical elegance provide an excellent film set.
How to get to the Caserta Palace?
Caserta is easily accessible from Naples by train, which takes about 30-40 minutes. The palace is within walking distance from the center of Caserta city, and you can spend an entire day exploring the interior spaces and the vast garden.
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