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Overview of Reggia di Caserta
Layout of the Reggia di Caserta Place
The Royal Palace of Caserta features 1200 rooms across five different floors that includes 1742 windows, 1026 fireplaces, 34 staircases, 24 state apartments, a massive library, and a theater. This palace is constructed in a rectangular shape, with a measurement of 247 x 184 meters. Each of the sides of the palace has two orthogonal arms that form the four inner courts of the palace. It is the largest palace in the entire world and has a volume of over 70 million cubic feet. You will find a massive forecourt at the back of the façades with the same segmental range of outbuildings. In the palace, you will also discover four courts that feature proportionate interiors and monotonous dignity.
Must Visit: The Military Museum of Caserta Palace
Things to See at the Reggia di Caserta
When you visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, you will come across the Royal Apartments on the Royal Floor of the Palace which consists of four quarters. The KIng’s quarter is situated on the southwest part of the floor and is commonly known as XIX Century apartments. On the southeast part, you will find the XVIII Century apartments which are known as quarters of Crown Prince, which is the only area of the palace that was occupied by the Royal Family for 50 years. The other apartments of the palace are known as Old and New Apartments.
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After the devastating earthquake in Italy in 1980, a Napoleon art gallerist named Lucio Amelio asked to share several art pieces from various contemporary artists with the palace. Hence, it was named the Terrae Motus Collection, in which the word, “Terrae Motus'' refers to an earthquake in Latin. The collection includes numerous notable works of artists of that time, including Joseph Beuys and Michelangelo Pistoletto.
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Picture Gallery is one of the most remarkable things to see at the Reggia di Caserta. This gallery showcases an exuberant collection of paintings that dates back to the time between the 16th and 19th centuries. There are nine rooms in the gallery, with each room displaying paintings of different subjects. You will find portraits of the Royal Family, landscape paintings, still life paintings, and a lot more in this gallery.
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The Royal Court Theatre in Roya Palace of Caserta has been designed after the Teatro di San Carlos in Naples. It is the first theater in Italy that was constructed in the shape of a horseshoe. Although the design of the theater was created by San Carlo, the theater proved to offer better acoustics. Used as the main spot for kings private Napoleonic Theatre shows executions the place holds a great significance in the history of plays.
The Grand Staircase is another one of the best things to see at the Reggia di Caserta as it is truly a structure of wonder and marvel. It is among Luigi Vanvitelli’s hidden treasures that manage to conceal the dignity of the structure. The staircase is adorned with beautiful statues, and the large size domes create a perfect arena for the orchestra. This staircase stands as an inspiration to several other staircase designs in the world.
Also Checkout: Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Palatine Chapel in Royal Palace of Caserta is another creation of Luigi Vanvitelli that drew inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. But, the architect added his own glamor to the chapel with Mannerist, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Inaugurated in 1784 Christmas, you will find this chapel at the entrance of the Royal Apartments.
When you visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, you will witness the Palatine Library of Caserta Palace which is spread across three different rooms of the Old Apartments in the palace. Walnut and mahogany are the two colour schemes used in the design of the library. This library consists of about 14000 books and booklets accumulated by the Royal Family, including some significant and prestigious scripts. It also includes books on the European and Napoleon cultures of work.
Besides paintings, the palace also houses an astonishingly prestigious collection of artworks, like drawings, frescoes, furniture, furnishings, porcelain, and a lot more. Although the collection of artworks in the palace is subject to loot, theft, and damage for over 200 years, each piece of the collection is absolutely exemplary in its style and design.
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The Parterre and the Old Woods are one of extraordinary things to explore at Reggia di Caserta as it showcases designs from the French Gardens. The Parterre is a clearing that can be seen on the exit of the palace that houses weaved gardens like vibrant flower carpets. On the contrary, the Old Woods existed adjoining the Parterre much before the construction of the park.
The Fountains in Royal Palace of Caserta spreads across a long alley throughout the park. The designs of the fountains have been created after multiple discussions of landscaping for centuries. It receives water from The Caroline Aqueduct, and the architect Luigi has wonderfully managed to conceal the original length of the place with the waterfall. Although the canal is 3 kilometres long, it looks short due to the blend of tiny waterfalls and large basins.
Situated beside the Diana and Actaeon fountains, The English Garden is a striking feature worth witnessing when you visit the Royal Palace of Caserta. It was created on the orders of King Ferdinand IV’s beloved wife, Queen Maria Carolina. Her personal finances in the construction of the Caserta Palace Gardens was also invested, to ensure better rivalry with the Petit Trianon of Versailles.
After you visit the Royal Palace of Caserta, you will find Saint Leucio Belvedere in the northeast area of the palace. This hill houses a gorgeous mansion known for its striking views from the top. Currently, you will discover one of the most valuable silk factories in this place, where you can explore the restored antique looms and understand silk production.
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San Silvestro’s WWF Oasis is 100 hectares long bought by King Charles near the Reggia di Caserta for cultivating vineyards and olive trees, hunting, and producing cheese, and breeding cattle. Inside this area, you will find a vineyard known as San Silvestro that not only preserves the fruit but also provides a trail for the King to learn about the tiny natural creatures.
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The Carolina Aqueduct in Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the most significant creations of Luigi Vanvitelli in the Reggia di Caserta. Its uses include watering the plants, gardens, and fountains of the palace, along with providing a water source for the entire city of Caserta. This creation is a perfect example that showcases the Bourbon dynasty’s urge to create something useful for its people.
The Park at Reggia Di Caserta
In La Reggia di Caserta, the park is an ideal instance of the baroque extension of formal vistas that took inspiration from the park of Versailles. Stretching across 120 hectares, the park begins from the back side of the palace through a long walkway with artificial cascades and fountains. The palace also houses an English garden that consists of plenty of rare and exotic plant species from different parts of the world. While exploring the park, you will come across the Carolina Aqueduct which not only provides water to the large gardens in the park but also acts as a water source for the entire Caserta town.
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History of Reggia Di Caserta
- The construction of the Reggia di Caserta was commissioned by King Charles VII of Naples to the architect, Luigi Vanvitelli in 1752.
- The architect designed a grandly scaled model of the Caserta, and the authority of its construction was given to this third successor of the King, Ferdinand IV of Naples in 1759.
- Reggia di Caserta’s design took inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, which solves similar problems of providing for the king, court, and government.
- During the construction process, the residents of Caserta were moved 10 kilometers to offer manpower closer to the palace.
- Troop barracks were installed inside the palace to give enough protection to the King at the time of the construction.
- After Luigi Vanvitelli died in 1773, the construction of the palace was continued and completed by his son, Carlo.
- This palace served as a fundamental location for the Italian Air Force Academy between 1923 and 1943.
- Reggia di Caserta also served as a location for shooting the film, “Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace” in 1998.
Also Know: Overview of Reggia di Caserta
Plan Your Visit to Reggia Di Caserta
- Location Piazza Carlo di Borbonne, 81100, Caserta CE, Italy.
- Timings 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Wednesday to Monday) (the last admission is at 7 pm, the ticket office closes at 6.45 pm, and the last exit from the palace is at 7.25 pm)
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- By Flight- The Naples-Capodichino Airport is the nearest airport to Reggia di Caserta that receives flights from different parts of the world. You can book a flight from anywhere in the world to this airport and then take a train or bus to Caserta.
- By Train- To reach the Reggia di Caserta, you can take a Trenitalia regional train from Napoli Centrale railway station to Piazza Garibaldi station. After reaching here, you need to just walk for five minutes to reach your ideal destination.
- By Bus- Regular bus services are available after every 15 minutes at the Naples Centrale bus station at Piazza Garibaldi to Reggia di Caserta.
- By Car- If you are traveling to the Royal Palace of Caserta by car, you can use the navigation system for hassle-free traveling to your desired location. However, you should ensure that the battery in your phone is charged enough to cover the entire distance to the palace.
Must Explore: Reggia di Caserta Diana and Actaeon Fountain
- Plan Your Visit to Reggia di Caserta and Book your La Reggia di Caserta tickets in advance to avoid the hassle of standing in long queues at the ticket counter under the scorching heat of the sun.
- Keep a valid photo identity card with you to show it along with the ticket at the ticket redemption point of the attraction.
- Pack a water bottle and some refreshments to keep yourself hydrated and energized at all times.
- Avail yourself of the shuttle service if you do not want to walk the entire distance of the Royal Palace of Caserta.
- Use the paid toilets as they are cleaner when compared to the free ones.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you will be required to walk a lot to explore the entire Royal Palace of Caserta.
Also Visit: Reggia di Caserta Royal Library
FAQs of Reggia di Caserta
Why is the Royal Palace of Caserta so famous?
The Royal Palace of Caserta is famous as it was once the land of numerous Kings of Naples. It is a massive place in the world that showcases the most pleasing picture of Baroque art. Visitors from different parts of the world visit the Royal Palace of Caserta to adore various displayed artworks and riches in the painted halls of the Royal Apartments. Another element that attracts visitors to the palace is The Grand Staircase of Honor.
Who built the Royal Palace of Caserta?
The construction work of the Royal Palace of Caserta was commissioned by Charles IV Bourbon to the architect Luigi Vanvitelli in 1752. Working on the site continued until the death of Vanvitelli in 1772. Later, the construction of the palace was completed by the architect’s son Carlo in 1777.
How long does it take to tour the Royal Palace of Caserta?
It will take you about two hours to take a tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta. Within this time frame, you can easily discover the Royal Apartments, the Library, the Grand Staircase, and plenty of other areas at your own pace.
How many rooms does the Royal Palace of Caserta have?
La Reggia di Caserta has 1200 rooms in total spread across five different floors, including a theater, a library, and twelve state apartments. The rich collection of paintings is displayed in nine different rooms of the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Is Reggia di Caserta worth visiting?
The Reggia di Caserta is one of the remarkable creations of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli who took inspiration from the Palace of Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid. The palace is absolutely worth visiting as you can get a chance to witness beautiful fountains, sprawling gardens, a silk factory, natural woodland, a hunting lodge, and, not to forget, the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Things to See
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