Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta

Things to See in Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta

The Hall of Mirrors is one of the most magnificent rooms in the Royal Palace of Caserta, located in the southern part of Italy. It is a grand hall adorned with intricate Baroque designs and a stunning array of mirrors that reflect the light in a mesmerizing way. The hall is located on the first floor of the palace, overlooking the vast gardens and the park beyond. It was originally designed as a reception hall for the royal court, and its opulence and grandeur reflect the power and wealth of the Bourbon dynasty.


The Hall of Mirrors is rectangular in shape and measures approximately 70 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The walls are decorated with elaborate frescoes, depicting various scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, as well as scenes from the life of the royal court. The ceiling is also decorated with frescoes, depicting the glory and power of the Bourbon dynasty. The frescoes were painted by artists such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and his son, Giandomenico, who were renowned for their skill and talent in painting large-scale frescoes. The most striking feature of the Hall of Mirrors is the magnificent array of mirrors that adorn the walls. The mirrors were imported from Venice and were among the finest of their time.

Frescoes

The ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors is adorned with stunning frescoes painted by artists from the School of Posillipo. These frescoes depict scenes from classical mythology and history, as well as allegorical figures representing the virtues of the Bourbon dynasty.


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Gilded decorations

The walls and ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors are decorated with elaborate gilded mouldings and other ornamental details. The gilding is made from real gold leaf, which was applied by skilled craftsmen.


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Chandeliers

The Hall of Mirrors contains four large crystal chandeliers, which were also considered a luxury item during the time the palace was built. These chandeliers are massive in size and add to the grandeur of the room.


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Statues

Visitors to the Hall of Mirrors can also see several statues, including one of the goddess Minerva, which stands at the entrance to the hall.


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History of Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta

The Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta, also known as the Sala degli Specchi in Italian, was built in the mid-18th century during the reign of King Charles III of Bourbon. The palace itself was commissioned by the King as a symbol of his power and as a way to compete with the great palaces of Europe, such as Versailles in France. The Hall of Mirrors was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who also oversaw the construction of the palace. It was modelled after the famous Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles but with several key differences. For one, the Hall of Mirrors at Caserta is much larger, measuring approximately 72 meters in length, compared to the 73 meters of the one at Versailles. Additionally, the Hall of Mirrors at Caserta has five windows on each side, while the one at Versailles only has three.


The construction of the Hall of Mirrors was a massive undertaking, as it required the installation of over 1,000 mirrors, which were sourced from Venice. The mirrors were set in gilt frames and arranged in a way to maximize the amount of light reflected throughout the space. The walls of the Hall of Mirrors were decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of King Charles III, as well as intricate stucco work. Over the years, the Hall of Mirrors has played an important role in the history of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily. It was the site of many important events, including royal weddings, state banquets, and diplomatic receptions. It was also the setting for many important artistic performances, such as operas and concerts. During World War II, the Hall of Mirrors suffered some damage due to Allied bombing. However, it was later restored to its original glory and is now one of the most popular attractions at the Royal Palace of Caserta.


Recommended Read: History of Caserta Palace

Know Before You Go to Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta

Essential Informations
Best Time Visit
Essential Informations
  • Location: The Hall of Mirrors is located within the Royal Palace of Caserta, which is situated in the city of Caserta in the Campania region of Italy.
  • Timings: The Hall of Mirrors is open to visitors from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily, except for Tuesdays when the palace is closed.
  • Accessibility: The Hall of Mirrors is accessible to visitors with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids.


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Best Time Visit
  • Visit during the off-season: The peak season at the Royal Palace of Caserta is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, the palace can be very crowded, and you may have to wait in line to enter the Hall of Mirrors. If possible, try to visit during the off-season, from October to May, when there are fewer tourists and the weather is still pleasant.
  • Go early in the day: The Hall of Mirrors is one of the most popular rooms in the palace, and it can get very crowded later in the day. To avoid the crowds, try to visit the Hall of Mirrors as soon as it opens in the morning. This will also give you more time to explore the rest of the palace without feeling rushed.
  • Avoid weekends and holidays: Weekends and holidays are the busiest times at the Royal Palace of Caserta, and the Hall of Mirrors can be particularly crowded during these times. If possible, try to visit on a weekday when there are fewer visitors.
  • Consider a guided tour: A guided tour of the Hall of Mirrors can provide you with valuable insights and information about the room and its history. Many tours also allow you to skip the line and enter the room more quickly.
  • Check the schedule for events: The Royal Palace of Caserta hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. If you are interested in attending one of these events, be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Be mindful of peak hours: If you must visit during peak hours, try to plan your visit during the less crowded times of the day. For example, visit the Hall of Mirrors during the midday when many tourists are eating lunch or in the late afternoon when people are leaving the palace.
  • Consider the weather: The Hall of Mirrors is an indoor space, but the palace grounds and surrounding areas may be affected by weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before your visit and plan accordingly.


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FAQs

What is the Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta?

The Hall of Mirrors is a grand chamber located in the Royal Palace of Caserta, which was built in the 18th century as a residence for the Bourbon kings of Naples.

What is the significance of the mirrors in the Hall of Mirrors?

The mirrors in the Hall of Mirrors are a significant feature of the room, as they were designed to reflect and multiply the light coming in from the large windows and chandeliers, creating a dazzling visual effect.

What is the capacity of the Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta?

The Hall of Mirrors has a large capacity and can accommodate up to 500 people.

Is photography allowed inside the Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the Hall of Mirrors, but flash photography is not permitted.

Are guided tours available for the Hall of Mirrors at the Royal Palace of Caserta?

Yes, guided tours of the Royal Palace of Caserta, including the Hall of Mirrors, are available and can be booked in advance.

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