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Structure and Design of the Royal Palace of Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and constructed between 1752 and 1774. The palace covers an area of 247,000 square meters and features over 1,200 rooms, including apartments, galleries, and chapels. The palace has five floors, with a central block flanked by two wings. The central block is over 47 meters high and is topped by a large dome.
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The palace is surrounded by vast gardens that cover an area of 120 hectares. The gardens are divided into several sections, including the English Garden, the Italian Garden, and the French Garden. The English Garden is a naturalistic landscape with lakes, waterfalls, and artificial ruins. The Italian Garden features symmetrical designs with fountains, sculptures, and parterres. The French Garden is an ornamental garden with geometric designs and a central axis leading to the palace.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is known for its rich decorations and ornate design. The palace features numerous frescoes, paintings, and sculptures by famous artists of the time, including Antonio Canova and Francesco Solimena. The decorations are inspired by classical mythology and historical events, with motifs of gods, goddesses, and heroes. The palace also features intricate stucco decorations, gilded details, and elaborate furnishings.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is not only a masterpiece of architecture and design but also a feat of engineering and technology. The palace was built using innovative techniques, such as a double-wall construction to prevent dampness and advanced heating and ventilation systems. The palace also features a large water supply system, with a series of underground aqueducts that transport water from nearby mountains to the palace and gardens. The palace also has a large theatre with advanced stage machineries, such as trapdoors and moving sets.
Places to Explore in the Royal Palace of Caserta
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- The Grand Staircase: Admire the ornate marble staircase, which is one of the largest in Europe.
- The Royal Apartments: Explore the luxurious living quarters of the Bourbon kings and queens, including the Throne Room in Caserta Palace, the Queen's Apartments, and the King's Apartments.
- The Royal Chapel: Marvel at the stunning Baroque design of the chapel, which features intricate frescoes and sculptures.
- The Palatine Library: Visit the Palatine Library of Caserta Palace, which houses over 10,000 volumes of rare and valuable books, as well as antique globes and maps.
- The Gardens: Stroll through the extensive gardens, which cover over 120 hectares and feature fountains, waterfalls, and a stunning view of the palace.
- The English Garden: Take a walk through the peaceful English Garden, which was designed to imitate an English countryside landscape.
- The Diana and Actaeon Fountain: Admire the grand Diana and Actaeon fountain, which depicts the mythological scene of Diana and Actaeon.
- The Casina del Principe: Visit the small palace located within the gardens, which was used by the Bourbon princes as a private retreat.
- The Amphitheater: See the ancient amphitheatre, which was discovered during the excavation of the gardens and is believed to date back to Roman times.
- The Hall of the Muses: Admire the impressive hall, which features a frescoed ceiling depicting the nine muses of Greek mythology.
- The Sala del Trono: Step inside the Throne Room, where the Bourbon kings held audiences and important events took place.
- The Sala degli Specchi: Visit the stunning Hall of Mirrors, which features a series of large mirrors and elegant chandeliers.
- The Sala di Alessandro Magno: See the room dedicated to Alexander the Great, which features a ceiling painting of the Macedonian conqueror.
- The Sala delle Guardie Svizzere: Explore the Swiss Guards' room, which was once used as a dormitory for the palace guards.
- The Sala di Ercole: Marvel at the impressive frescoes in the Hall of Hercules, which depict the legendary hero's twelve labours.
- The Sala di Fetonte: Admire the ceiling fresco in the Hall of Phaethon, which depicts the tragic story of the mythological figure who drove the sun chariot too close to Earth.
- The Sala di Apollo: Visit the room dedicated to the god of music and poetry, which features frescoes of Apollo and the Muses.
- The Sala di Venere: See the room dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, which features a ceiling fresco of the goddess riding a chariot drawn by doves.
Must Checkout: Attractions Near Royal Palace of Caserta
FAQ’s for Architecture of the Royal Palace of Caserta
When was the Royal Palace of Caserta built?
The construction of the Royal Palace of Caserta began in 1752 and was completed in 1774.
How many rooms are in the Royal Palace of Caserta?
The palace has over 1,200 rooms, making it one of the largest royal residences in the world. Some of the most important rooms include the King's Apartment, the Queen's Apartment, the Throne Room, and the Palatine Chapel.
How many floors does the Royal Palace of Caserta have?
The palace has five floors, including a basement and an attic. The central block of the palace is over 47 meters high and is flanked by two shorter wings.
What is the height of the central block of the Royal Palace of Caserta?
The central block of the palace is over 47 meters high and is topped by a grand dome. The dome has a diameter of 36 meters and is one of the largest in the world.
How large are the gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta?
The gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta cover an area of 120 hectares. They are divided into several sections, including the English Garden, the Italian Garden, and the French Garden.
Things to See