RECOMMENDED DURATION
4 hours
Timings
Closed today
TICKETS
From $23.56
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1997
With 5 floors, 1200 rooms, a museum, library and theatre, it is the largest royal residence in the world by volume. The gardens alone extend beyond 11 acres.
The Royal Palace of Caserta was the chosen spot where the Germans signed their unconditional surrender at the end of World War 2. This guaranteed the permanent removal of German and Italian fascist troops.
In 1943, precious canvases within the Palatine Chapel were destroyed by the bombing during WW2. Some standing columns still bear evidence to this fateful episode.
The Grand Staircase at the Royal Palace of Caserta has inspired many subsequent beautiful staircases like The Alexander Palace near St. Petersburg, Russia. This Vanvitelli marvel hides its true majesty, with statues flanking the staircase and a dome that masks the orchestra space, creating an ‘invisible choir’ effect. A teaser to the opulence that awaits inside!
The Royal Floor in the Palace of Caserta, divided into four quarters by Luigi Vanvitelli, features the XIX Century apartments for the King in the southwest and the XVIII Century apartments for the Crown Prince in the southeast. These latter apartments were the only section inhabited by the Royal Family for over 50 years. The remaining two quarters are known as the Old and New Apartments.
Another Luigi Vanvitelli creation, the Palatine Chapel was inspired by the chapel in Versailles but follows a Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque design. Located near the Royal Apartments, it was inaugurated at Christmas in 1784.
Occupying three rooms of the Old Apartments, the Palatine Library is furnished in walnut and mahogany, housing around 14,000 books collected by the Royal Family, including significant works from European and Neapolitan cultures.
After the 1980 earthquake, art gallerist Lucio Amelio gathered contemporary artworks for the palace. This collection includes pieces from artists like Michelangelo Pistoletto, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Joseph Beuys.
The Royal Palace of Caserta houses a flamboyant collection of 16th to 19th-century paintings across nine rooms, each featuring different subjects like still life, royal portraits, historical scenes, and landscapes.
Modeled after Naples' Teatro di San Carlo, the Royal Court Theatre features a horseshoe shape and superior acoustics, used by the sovereign for private Neapolitan Theatre shows.
The palace boasts collections of furniture, porcelain, drawings, and frescoes, despite being subjected to damages and theft over 200 years. Each piece is extraordinary and rich in symbolism.
Designed by Vanvitelli, the Parterre is inspired by French Gardens, resembling colorful flower carpets. Adjacent is the Old Woods of Bosco Vecchio, predating the park itself.
The palace's fountains, fed by the Carolina Aqueduct, showcase Vanvitelli's optical illusions, making the 3 km canal appear much shorter with a blend of small waterfalls and large basins.
Created by Queen Maria Carolina with English gardener John Andrew Graefer and Carlo Vanvitelli, this garden rivals the Petit Trianon of Versailles.
This mansion on Saint Leucio hill now houses a prestigious silk factory, where you can see restored antique looms and learn about silk production.
Once a royal hunting and agricultural estate, this 100-hectare land now preserves historical fruit and offers nature trails.
A 38 km engineering feat by Luigi Vanvitelli, this aqueduct supplied water to the palace, gardens, fountains, and the city of Caserta, showcasing the Bourbon dynasty's commitment to public welfare.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is the largest palace in the world when measured by volume. It was designed by Naples’ most famous architect at the time, Luigi Vanvitelli. The multi-directional spatial illusion can be seen inside the palace and the vast gardens and fountains have been aligned in a telescopic fashion.
The architecture of the palace has been referred to as the Swan Song of the Baroque style and it is visible in every detail of the palace. As the Palace of Caserta was constructed during various periods, you will also find certain Neapolitan influences in the architectural design.
In 1752, Charles VII of Naples commissioned Luigi Vanvitelli to design the palace. Inspired by Versailles, it was intended to be a grand royal residence and administrative center. Charles never lived there, as he became King of Spain in 1759, and construction continued under his successor, Ferdinand IV.
Vanvitelli envisioned a palace that housed the king, court, and government, functioning as a virtual city. Vanvitelli planned it as a complete city, with a university, museum, and administrative offices. The palace symbolized Bourbon power, differing from Versailles by being a cohesive project by a single architect.
To support the palace construction, an entire town (Caserta Vecchia) was relocated to provide workers. A silk factory was even disguised as a pavilion within the vast parklands. Security was paramount, with troop barracks built within the palace walls. Despite being unfinished, Vanvitelli's son, Carlo, continued construction, leaving behind a magnificent testament to Baroque architecture.
From 1923-1943, the palace housed the Italian Air Force Academy. During WWII, it served as Allied Force Headquarters, where the surrender of German and Italian forces was signed in 1945. The palace also hosted the first Allied war crimes trial.
In the late 20th century, the palace was restored and gained fame as a filming location for movies like "Star Wars" and "Mission: Impossible III." Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
The palace was commissioned and built under the direction of King Charles III of Spain, who was the King of Naples and Sicily at the time. After Charles III left for Spain in 1759, the construction and completion of the palace continued under his successors, the Bourbon kings of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
It remained a royal palace until the unification of Italy in 1861. After the fall of the Bourbon monarchy, the palace became state property and is now owned and managed by the Italian government as a major cultural heritage site and museum.
Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002): The palace's opulent interiors were transformed into the Theed City Naboo Palace, the seat of government on Queen Amidala's home planet.
The Royal Palace of Caserta drew inspiration from the Palace of Versailles in France. Both aimed to house not just the royal family but also government officials, cultural elites, and even a university and museum. However, Caserta wasn't a mere copy. Architect Luigi Vanvitelli added his own touches, creating a masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture.
The architect behind the Royal Palace of Caserta was the talented Luigi Vanvitelli. His design impressed King Charles VII so much that it reportedly moved him to tears. Vanvitelli oversaw construction until his death in 1773. His son Carlo continued the work, but the original grand design with sprawling wings remains unfinished.
Though construction began in 1752 under King Charles VII of Naples (later Charles III of Spain), he never actually lived in the completed palace. In 1759, he abdicated the throne of Naples to become King of Spain, leaving the project unfinished for his son Ferdinand IV.
Similar to Versailles, Caserta boasts a central palace building with sprawling gardens. However, Caserta has a more rectangular central block and a slightly different approach to the gardens. Caserta's English Garden, for example, reflects a more naturalistic style compared to the formal gardens of Versailles.
Caserta is brimming with architectural marvels. Here are a few:
World War II was a difficult time for Caserta. It was damaged by U.S. bombers and virtually emptied of furnishings by looters. However, the Italian government undertook extensive restoration efforts to return the palace to its former glory. Interestingly, the Allied Forces also used the palace as their headquarters in the Mediterranean during the war.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a treasure trove of art. While a comprehensive list would be lengthy, some highlights include:
The Royal Palace of Caserta is no longer a royal residence. Today, it serves as a museum, tourist attraction, and a cultural venue.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended for visitors to the Royal Palace of Caserta. These tours offer a more in-depth experience, providing historical context and insights you might miss on your own. Tours are available in multiple languages and can be booked in advance or upon arrival (subject to availability).
The silk factory at San Leucio, located near the Royal Palace of Caserta, was an innovative project initiated by King Ferdinand IV of Naples. It was part of a larger social and industrial experiment aimed at creating a self-sufficient community focused on silk production. The factory not only produced high-quality silk but also provided education and welfare benefits to its workers, reflecting progressive social ideas. The factory’s establishment helped elevate the region's economic status and demonstrated the kingdom's industrial capabilities.
The Royal Palace of Caserta has undergone extensive preservation and restoration efforts to maintain its grandeur. After suffering damage and looting during World War II, the Italian government undertook significant restoration work to repair and replace lost or damaged decorations, furnishings, and artworks. Continuous efforts include maintaining the palace's structural integrity, restoring frescoes, and preserving its vast gardens and fountains. Modern technology and historical research guide these efforts, ensuring the palace remains a pristine example of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Royal Palace of Caserta Skip-the-Line Tickets
Royal Palace of Caserta Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Royal Palace of Caserta Small-Group Guided Tour
Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour
