If you find a villa in Campania and you are a fan of palaces and unbelievable architectural gems, then a visit to the incomparable Royal Palace of Caserta is a must. Located in Caserta in Campania, this massive and beautiful building is a former royal residence that was originally built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a truly breathtaking sight to behold and for those who love to get a little lost in time and spend hours admiring the extraordinary homes of nobles, it is utterly unmissable. The largest palace in Europe, the size alone of the Royal Palace of Caserta is awe-inspiring and mind-boggling. However, this in addition to the staggering wealth of artworks, the gorgeous architecture, and the stunning gardens all adds up to a singular experience.
Begun in 1752 under the reign of Charles VII of Naples and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in close collaboration with Charles, it never actually was his home as he abdicated in 1759 to become the King of Spain. The palace is inspired by the social model of Versailles and in design by the Royal Palace of Madrid, where Charles had grown up, as well as the Charlottenburg Palace.
The largest royal palace in terms of volume in the world, spread over 2 million m³, 5 floors, 1,200 rooms, and two dozen state apartments, the palace also boasts a grand library and a theatre modelled after the famous and lovely Teatro San Carlo of Naples. Relatively untouched by time, this perfect encapsulation of a Bourbon court maintains most of its original design, on a rectangular plan, with four sides connected by two orthogonal arms, forming four inner courtyards.
Of course, as much as the building itself astounds, the gardens are another major highlight. Directly inspired by Versailles, they feature incredible fountains, a botanical garden, hydraulic features, and a multitude of classical sculptures by Gaetano Salomone set within lush and hilly bucolic surroundings.
Utterly magnificent and mind-boggling in scale, this is the perfect place to get a little lost and indulge in period drama fantasies if you have book a vacation rental in Campania and are exploring this amazing part of Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta
Piazza Carlo di Borbone
81100 Caserta CE
+39 0823 448084
re-ce@cultura.gov.it
Opening hours and tickets depend on when you are visiting and if you want to see the palace or grounds or both. Free entry is granted on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, check out the official website of the Royal Palace of Caserta.