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Caserta Palace Gardens tickets

4.2(3.7K ratings)



Royal Palace of Caserta exterior with grand staircase and fountain in Caserta, Italy.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Sculptures atop grand staircase at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta library with rows of antique books and ornate wooden shelves.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Fresco in Royal Palace of Caserta
Palatine Chapel interior with ornate ceiling and columns at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Ancient Carousel at Royal Palace of Caserta
Cryptoporticus in the English Garden, Caserta Royal Palace
Stunning view of the three dolphins fountain, Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta exterior with grand staircase and fountain in Caserta, Italy.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Sculptures atop grand staircase at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta library with rows of antique books and ornate wooden shelves.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Fresco in Royal Palace of Caserta
Palatine Chapel interior with ornate ceiling and columns at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Ancient Carousel at Royal Palace of Caserta
Cryptoporticus in the English Garden, Caserta Royal Palace
Stunning view of the three dolphins fountain, Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta exterior with grand staircase and fountain in Caserta, Italy.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Sculptures atop grand staircase at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta library with rows of antique books and ornate wooden shelves.
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Fresco in Royal Palace of Caserta
Palatine Chapel interior with ornate ceiling and columns at Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Ancient Carousel at Royal Palace of Caserta
Cryptoporticus in the English Garden, Caserta Royal Palace
Stunning view of the three dolphins fountain, Royal Palace of Caserta
4.2(427)

Royal Palace of Caserta Park Tickets

from
€15.90
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration

Affordable and flexible entry to the Royal Park of Caserta, with optional access to the palace.

  • Choose between access to the Royal Park or upgrade to include the Royal Apartments for the full experience.
  • Explore the vast 120-hectare Royal Park, featuring serene fountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush landscapes.
  • Upgrade your experience to explore the grand Baroque-style halls of the Royal Apartments.
  • Elevate your visit with an optional audio guide in multiple languages for independent discovery.

Affordable and flexible entry to the Royal Park of Caserta, with optional access to the palace.

  • Choose between access to the Royal Park or upgrade to include the Royal Apartments for the full experience.
  • Explore the vast 120-hectare Royal Park, featuring serene fountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush landscapes.
  • Upgrade your experience to explore the grand Baroque-style halls of the Royal Apartments.
  • Elevate your visit with an optional audio guide in multiple languages for independent discovery.

Inclusions

  • Access to Royal Park
  • Access to the Apartments (optional)
  • Audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish (optional)

Exclusions

  • Park activities (Bus tour, bicycle rental, quads, tandem, and horse-drawn carriage)
  • Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic royal gardens, especially during spring and summer when the park is in full bloom.
  • The Royal Park and the Palace are wheelchair accessible with pathways, ramps and an elevator.
  • Pets, dogs, strollers, bags, umbrellas, backpacks, other large items, or carriers are not allowed inside the Palace. However, there is a free checkroom service available at the entrance.
  • The palace is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day (January 1), and Christmas Day (December 25).
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Small group of tourists exploring the grandeur of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, with a professional guide
Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, showcasing its majestic architecture and lush gardens
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with small group of tourists on guided tour.
Chandelier inside the Royal Palace of Caserta
Guide explaining to a small group on a guided tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta library
Fountains at Royal Palace of Caserta with lush gardens in the background, Naples, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta fountains with small group of tourists on guided tour in Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta
Small group of tourists exploring the grandeur of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, with a professional guide
Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, showcasing its majestic architecture and lush gardens
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with small group of tourists on guided tour.
Chandelier inside the Royal Palace of Caserta
Guide explaining to a small group on a guided tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta library
Fountains at Royal Palace of Caserta with lush gardens in the background, Naples, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta fountains with small group of tourists on guided tour in Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta
Small group of tourists exploring the grandeur of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, with a professional guide
Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy, showcasing its majestic architecture and lush gardens
Interiors of the Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with small group of tourists on guided tour.
Chandelier inside the Royal Palace of Caserta
Guide explaining to a small group on a guided tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta library
Fountains at Royal Palace of Caserta with lush gardens in the background, Naples, Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta fountains with small group of tourists on guided tour in Italy.
Royal Palace of Caserta
4.7(79)

Royal Palace of Caserta Small-Group Guided Tour

from
€39.50
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.

Skip lines and tour the grand halls of Royal Caserta with a historian.

  • Bypass the long queues and dive straight into the palace's opulent halls. More time exploring, less time waiting!
  • Listen closely as the expert guide divulges the fascinating secrets of the palace, which has often been compared to the Palace of Versailles.
  • Step into the iconic rooms once used by nobles, including the majestic Throne Room, Court Theatre, and Palatine Library.
  • End your tour with a walk through the lush royal gardens, filled with stunning fountains and vibrant blooms.

Skip lines and tour the grand halls of Royal Caserta with a historian.

  • Bypass the long queues and dive straight into the palace's opulent halls. More time exploring, less time waiting!
  • Listen closely as the expert guide divulges the fascinating secrets of the palace, which has often been compared to the Palace of Versailles.
  • Step into the iconic rooms once used by nobles, including the majestic Throne Room, Court Theatre, and Palatine Library.
  • End your tour with a walk through the lush royal gardens, filled with stunning fountains and vibrant blooms.

Inclusions

  • 2-hour tour of Caserta Royal Palace with skip-the-line entry
  • English and/or Italian-speaking guide
  • Small groups of up to 20 people
  • Headphones are provided if the group exceeds more than 6 people.

Exclusions

  • Access to Royal Park
  • Transfers and meals
  • Tip: The Throne Hall is full of allegories and symbols— make sure to ask your guide to point out the hidden meanings behind the lavish decorations.
  • Even with skip-the-line access, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in, as the palace enforces strict entry timings.
  • Note: The tour does not cover the Royal Park and English Gardens.
  • While the Palace is accessible, due to the historic layout and the route that the tour follows, portions of the experience are not wheelchair-friendly.
  • Some rooms may have photography restrictions, so check with your guide before taking pictures.
  • Pets, dogs, strollers, bags, umbrellas, backpacks, other large items, or carriers are not allowed inside the Palace. However, there is a free checkroom service available at the entrance.
  • The palace is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day (January 1), and Christmas Day (December 25).
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta grand staircase with intricate marble design, Italy.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with ornate vaulted ceiling and intricate frescoes.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
A sculpture in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Interior view of the Royal Palace of Caserta showcasing ornate ceiling and grand chandeliers.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Fountain of Diana and Actaeon, Royal palace of  Caserta
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta grand staircase with intricate marble design, Italy.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with ornate vaulted ceiling and intricate frescoes.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
A sculpture in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Interior view of the Royal Palace of Caserta showcasing ornate ceiling and grand chandeliers.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Fountain of Diana and Actaeon, Royal palace of  Caserta
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta grand staircase with intricate marble design, Italy.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Royal Palace of Caserta interior with ornate vaulted ceiling and intricate frescoes.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
A sculpture in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Interior view of the Royal Palace of Caserta showcasing ornate ceiling and grand chandeliers.
Participants on a Private Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Caserta
Fountain of Diana and Actaeon, Royal palace of  Caserta
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
NEW

Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour

from €305
€274.50

10% off

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour

Experience Caserta’s royal grandeur with an exclusive, art historian-led private tour.

  • Skip lines and spend more time exploring the luxurious apartments, halls and court rooms of Bourbon dynasty.
  • Get immersive insights into Bourbon history and palace evolution from a regional art history specialist.
  • Ascend the monumental Staircase of Honor and explore opulent rooms decorated in rich stucco and frescoes.
  • Finish with a peaceful walk through 120 hectares of Italian gardens, decorated with fountains, statues, and waterfalls.

Experience Caserta’s royal grandeur with an exclusive, art historian-led private tour.

  • Skip lines and spend more time exploring the luxurious apartments, halls and court rooms of Bourbon dynasty.
  • Get immersive insights into Bourbon history and palace evolution from a regional art history specialist.
  • Ascend the monumental Staircase of Honor and explore opulent rooms decorated in rich stucco and frescoes.
  • Finish with a peaceful walk through 120 hectares of Italian gardens, decorated with fountains, statues, and waterfalls.

Inclusions

  • 2-hour private tour of the Royal Palace of Caserta
  • Private groups of 1 to 10 people
  • Skip-the-line access to the Royal Apartments and Royal Park
  • Spanish, French, Italian, German or English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
  • Audio headsets for groups larger than 7

Exclusions

  • Guided tour of the Royal Park
  • Tip: Set aside an hour to explore the Royal Park at your own pace. Your ticket includes access, and the guide’s insights will help you maximize this self-guided portion.
  • While the private tour focuses on the palace interiors, your guide will provide detailed context about the iconic Royal Park, which you can explore independently after the tour.
  • Even with skip-the-line access, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in, as the palace enforces strict entry timings.
  • The tour can be made accessible for wheelchair users, but advance notice is required to ensure the best route is arranged.
  • Pets, dogs, strollers, bags, umbrellas, backpacks, other large items, or carriers are not allowed inside the Palace. However, there is a free checkroom service available at the entrance.
  • Some rooms may have photography restrictions, so check with your guide before taking pictures.
  • The palace is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day (January 1), and Christmas Day (December 25).
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Aerial view of Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy
Naples train tour
Royal Palace of Caserta facade with guided tour group in front, Italy.
Staircase of Honour in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Hall inside Royal Palace of Caserta
Visitor at Royal Palace of Caserta with an audio guide on a day trip from Naples
Royal Palace of Caserta Apartments Bedroom
Royal Palace of Caserta Palatine Chapel
Fountains and waterfalls in the gardens of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
Aerial view of Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy
Naples train tour
Royal Palace of Caserta facade with guided tour group in front, Italy.
Staircase of Honour in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Hall inside Royal Palace of Caserta
Visitor at Royal Palace of Caserta with an audio guide on a day trip from Naples
Royal Palace of Caserta Apartments Bedroom
Royal Palace of Caserta Palatine Chapel
Fountains and waterfalls in the gardens of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
Aerial view of Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy
Naples train tour
Royal Palace of Caserta facade with guided tour group in front, Italy.
Staircase of Honour in the Royal Palace of Caserta
Hall inside Royal Palace of Caserta
Visitor at Royal Palace of Caserta with an audio guide on a day trip from Naples
Royal Palace of Caserta Apartments Bedroom
Royal Palace of Caserta Palatine Chapel
Fountains and waterfalls in the gardens of Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy.
Fountain and Garden, Royal Palace of Caserta
NEW

From Naples: Royal Palace of Caserta Tickets with Round-Trip Train and Audio Guide

from
€45
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide

A royal day out! Hassle-free visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta with train tickets, priority access and an audio guide.

  • Enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey with a round-trip train ticket from Naples—getting to the Royal Palace couldn’t be easier!
  • Skip the lines with priority entry and head directly to the royal halls—no waiting required!
  • Explore the beautiful Hall of Astrea, King's private chambers, Throne Room, and more at your own pace with a smart audio guide available on your phone.
  • Conclude your visit with a delightful stroll through the Royal Park, adorned with cascading fountains and sculptures.

A royal day out! Hassle-free visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta with train tickets, priority access and an audio guide.

  • Enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey with a round-trip train ticket from Naples—getting to the Royal Palace couldn’t be easier!
  • Skip the lines with priority entry and head directly to the royal halls—no waiting required!
  • Explore the beautiful Hall of Astrea, King's private chambers, Throne Room, and more at your own pace with a smart audio guide available on your phone.
  • Conclude your visit with a delightful stroll through the Royal Park, adorned with cascading fountains and sculptures.

Inclusions

  • Priority entry to Royal Palace Apartments and Park
  • Round-trip train tickets from Naples to Caserta
  • Audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, French

Exclusions

  • Guided tour
  • Headphones
  • Food and drinks
  • Tip: Notice the ingenious double-revolution staircase at the Royal Palace, allowing the king to ascend and descend without meeting anyone on the stairs.
  • The train from Naples to Caserta takes around 40 minutes, plus a 5-10 minute walk to the palace. Be sure to check the train schedule in advance to arrive on time, as this ticket has a specific entry window.
  • Even with skip-the-line access, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in, as the palace enforces strict entry timings.
  • Pets, dogs, strollers, bags, umbrellas, backpacks, other large items, or carriers are not allowed inside the Palace. However, there is a free checkroom service available at the entrance.
  • Some rooms may have photography restrictions, so check with the staff before taking pictures.
  • The Royal Park and the Palace are wheelchair accessible with pathways, ramps and an elevator.
  • The palace is closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day (January 1), and Christmas Day (December 25).
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Artecard Campania - 3 days card
Group of tourists exploring ancient ruins on the From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Amalfi Full-Day Tour, with a clear blue sky overhead
Herculaneum  ruins
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, highlighting Artecard Campania benefits.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Fresco in Campania region
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24/48/74-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Rome, passing by iconic landmarks in an open-top bus
Italian Pasta and Cheese in Rome
Artecard Campania - 3 days card
Group of tourists exploring ancient ruins on the From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Amalfi Full-Day Tour, with a clear blue sky overhead
Herculaneum  ruins
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, highlighting Artecard Campania benefits.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Fresco in Campania region
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24/48/74-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Rome, passing by iconic landmarks in an open-top bus
Italian Pasta and Cheese in Rome
Artecard Campania - 3 days card
Group of tourists exploring ancient ruins on the From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Amalfi Full-Day Tour, with a clear blue sky overhead
Herculaneum  ruins
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, highlighting Artecard Campania benefits.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Naples cityscape with historic buildings, featuring Artecard Campania for cultural exploration.
Fresco in Campania region
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24/48/74-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Rome, passing by iconic landmarks in an open-top bus
Italian Pasta and Cheese in Rome
2.6(47)

Artecard Campania: 2 Museums Pass

from
€48
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration

Explore Campania's treasures with free entry to top sites and unlimited travel!

  • Free entry to two attractions, including popular sites like Pompeii, and Herculaneum, access to 100+ sites.
  • Enjoy unlimited rides on local buses, trains, and metro lines with the Unicocampania transport network to reach top landmarks easily.
  • After your first two visits, get up to 50% off additional visits to 100+ museums, monuments, and archaeological sites.
  • Access tourist assistance in English and Italian for a smooth experience.

Explore Campania's treasures with free entry to top sites and unlimited travel!

  • Free entry to two attractions, including popular sites like Pompeii, and Herculaneum, access to 100+ sites.
  • Enjoy unlimited rides on local buses, trains, and metro lines with the Unicocampania transport network to reach top landmarks easily.
  • After your first two visits, get up to 50% off additional visits to 100+ museums, monuments, and archaeological sites.
  • Access tourist assistance in English and Italian for a smooth experience.

Inclusions

  • Free entry to the first 2 sites of your choice (Full list here)
  • Up to 50% discount from the 3rd site onwards
  • 3-day validity
  • Tourist assistance in English and Italian
  • Unlimited travel on Unicocampania Consortium network
  • Tip: For popular attractions like Pompeii, it's recommended to check if advance reservations are needed, even with the Campania Artecard, especially during peak times.
  • You will receive your digital pass instantly via email after booking. To activate the card, follow the instructions in the voucher.
  • The pass is first activated during entry at your first site. Once activated, it cannot be paused or extended.
  • Please note: Access to Alibus and some Sita Sud lines (e.g., Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi routes) is not included.
  • From January 1, 2023, the Galleria Borbonica and Catacombs sites are no longer free but can be visited at a reduced fee.
  • Access to the Vesuvius Great Cone is currently suspended.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • These tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
Royal Palace of Caserta Caserta Palace Gardens

The Caserta Palace Gardens: English elegance meets Baroque luxury

The Royal Palace of Caserta boasts not only lavish interiors but also 120 hectares of stunning gardens by Luigi Vanvitelli, blending Italian Baroque and romantic English styles with pools, fountains, and cascades.

How to enter the gardens?

The gardens start directly from the back façade of the palace building. There are direct access points and signage leading out from the palace into the expansive 120-hectare gardens. You'll need your Royal Park tickets for access.

Things to know before you buy Royal Palace of Caserta Gardens tickets

  • Understand the different ticket types. Separate tickets are available for the park and palace, as well as combined options. Pick the right ticket for your desired experience. While all of our ticket options include access to the Park, you can buy exclusive Park tickets and upgrade to include access to the Apartments if you choose to visit both.
  • While the palace closes at 7:30pm, the park closes at 6pm with last admission at 5pm. Plan your visit accordingly, being mindful of different closing hours.
  • Tickets are issued for specific time slots. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated time to avoid missing your entry. The palace is very strict about its entry timings. This system helps manage crowds and ensures a good visitor experience.
  • The first Sunday of each month, as well as specific public holidays (April 25, June 2, November 4), offers free admission to the gardens. If your visit coincides with these dates, you can save on ticket costs, but be mindful of massive holiday crowds. For a better appreciation of these beautiful gardens, plan your visit on other weekdays.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit. The gardens are best enjoyed on a clear day, and rain can impact your experience. If rain is expected, consider bringing an umbrella or rescheduling your visit.
  • For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour. This option often includes skip-the-line access and offers insights into the lesser-known facts, history, and significance of the gardens and palace. For those fascinated by royal lifestyles or grand architectural schemes, a private tour of the palace is also available.
  • The gardens are designed to be accessible, with pathways suitable for wheelchairs. There are also minibuses equipped with ramps available to assist visitors with mobility challenges in navigating the expansive grounds.

Royal Palace of Caserta Gardens in a nutshell

royal palace of Caserta gardens
  • Size and scope: Area is 120 hectares (296 acres) and length is approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles)
  • Water features: A breathtaking Grand Cascade, featuring multiple waterfalls, leads to a large reflecting pool. Dotted throughout the gardens are ornamental fountains, each a unique work of art with its own symbolic meaning.
  • Botanical diversity: Thousands of plants, both native and exotic, were meticulously chosen to add color, texture, and fragrance to the gardens. The gardens also house a rich variety of trees, creating a sense of grandeur and providing shade.
  • Design and layout:
    - Formal Italian Gardens: Featuring meticulously designed parterres, sculptures, and geometric patterns, these gardens were inspired by the likes of Versailles.
    - Romantic English Garden: Offering a contrasting landscape, this section boasts winding paths, lakes, and a more natural aesthetic.
    - "Telescope Effect": The layout of the gardens uses a clever optical illusion, aligning pools, fountains, and cascades to create a seemingly endless vista from the palace.

Royal Palace of Gardens tickets explained

Entry tickets

Guided tours

Tickets with transfers

Park access

yes

Yes

Yes

Apartments access

Option to upgrade

Yes

Yes

Additional features

Optional audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish.

Italian/English speaking guide, small group, priority access, audio headsets, optional private tour (of the apartments).

Train ticket to Caserta from Napoli Central Station, audio guide, priority access.

Why buy? 

Explore at your own pace without committing to the full palace, perfect for independent travelers and nature lovers. 

Enrich your visit with insider knowledge and fascinating stories. Bypass crowds with priority entry. 

Hassle-free journey, maximize time at the site, enjoy the ride without logistics stress.

Starting from

€15

€39

€44

Recommended tickets

Royal Palace of Caserta Park Tickets

Royal Palace of Caserta Small-Group Guided Tour

From Naples: Royal Palace of Caserta Tickets with Round-Trip Train and Audio Guide

A walk inside the Caserta Palace Gardens

Caserta Palace Gardens

The Parterre and the Old Woods

The Parterre is the wide clearing that you come across when you leave Reggia di Caserta's gallery. It follows the French Garden designs and you will find wide grasslands that resemble a grass carpet. The Old Woods, on the left of the Parterre, existed before the buildings and were kept to maintain the natural element of the garden. It was also the 'Secret Garden' used for entertainment and as a resting place for the court.

Caserta Palace Gardens

The Fountains

In the Caserta Palace Gardens, you will come across a long alley with artificial fountains and cascades that fill multiple basins along a canal. Each fountain is decorated with rich sculptures such as dolphins, Aeolus, Ceres, Venus, Adonis, and a lot more. The fountains were designed in a way that they appear to be much shorter than their actual length of 3 km, thanks to short waterfalls and large basins, creating an optical artifice.

Caserta Palace Gardens

The English Garden

Occupying an area of 24 hectares, The English Garden is the first example of an informal garden in Italy. The garden is home to rare and exotic plants that were imported from around the world. Apart from the plants, this garden also houses several lakes, temples, a greenhouse, an English mansion, a bee house, and many other beautiful statues and elements.

Caserta Palace Gardens

The Carolino Aqueduct

The Carolino Aqueduct, a 38km hydraulic engineering marvel, was built to supply water to the fountains, the Royal Palace of Caserta, the cities Caserta and Naples around the Palace, and all the farms in the area. The entire conduit is buried except for the bridge which is made up of several arches and turrets for improved stability and better maintenance.

Caserta Palace Gardens

The Complex of Saint Leucio Belvedere

Initiated by King Ferdinand IV, The Complex of Saint Leucio Belvedere is a huge village complex in the Royal Palace of Caserta. This complex comprises a functioning silk factory, a living silk museum, Former Royal Apartments and manicured gardens. It was also the birthplace of women’s rights at the request of Queen Maria Carolina. 

Caserta Palace Gardens

San Silvestro’s Oasis

A 100 hectares estate bought by King Charles of Bourbon, San Silvestro's Oasis was once a place for hunting, hiking, and immersing oneself in nature. Today, the oasis is funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature where visitors can indulge in a lot of activities here such as night tours, learning about bats, seeing fireflies, nature trails, and more. 

History of the Caserta Palace Gardens

Caserta Palace Gardens

The visionary beginnings

1752-1773

Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, the works for Caserta Palace Gardens began in 1753 and combined the design of the Italian Renaissance Garden with a solution for the Versailles gardens. Luigi introduced the ‘Telescope Effect’ by designing a straight avenue that started from Naples and ended at the waterfall's top that was located at the end of the Garden of the Royal Palace of Caserta.  

Caserta Palace Gardens

A period of slow progress

1773-1845

The current garden at the Royal Palace of Caserta is a reduced version of Luigi’s design. After Luigi passed away in 1773, work halted for almost 4 years. In 1777, his son Carlo presented the King with a reduced version of the original design because of economic difficulties at the time and the number of fountains in the second part of the Caserta Palace Gardens. However, Carlo made sure that his father’s vision was accomplished for the garden with the 3.3 km canal.

Caserta Palace Gardens

The Queen’s Rivalry

Queen Maria Carolina, the wife of King Ferdinand IV, was in competition with her sister Queen Marie Antoinette of France. She requested that an English Garden be built that obscured the beauty of Petit Trianon of Versailles. The construction began in 1786 and the Queen invested her personal fortunes to make sure that the English Garden was quite different from the Park at the Royal Palace of Caserta.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive right at opening time (around 8:30am) to enjoy the gardens before the heat sets in, especially during summer. This timing also helps you avoid the larger crowds that build up later in the day.
  • Plan your route! The gardens are vast, stretching nearly 3 kilometers from the palace to the Great Waterfall. Before you start, take a moment to review a map of the gardens to prioritize which fountains and features you want to see, such as the Fountain of Diana and Actaeon and the Fountain of Aeolus.
  • If you’re not up for a long walk, consider renting a bike (available for €4 per hour) or using the paid shuttle service (€2.50 return) to explore the gardens more comfortably, especially if you’re traveling with children or elderly visitors.
  • While there are cafeterias on-site, they can be pricey and crowded. Pack a picnic or snacks to enjoy in one of the many shaded areas throughout the gardens, especially near the fountains.
  • Don’t miss the English Garden, which is often overlooked. This area features a more naturalistic landscape, with winding paths and diverse plant species. It provides a lovely contrast to the formal Italian gardens and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • The gardens are a photographer’s dream. Early morning light is ideal for capturing the stunning fountains and landscapes. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beauty, but be mindful of other visitors.
  • The gardens can get hot, especially in summer. Plan to take breaks under the many trees and shaded areas along the pathways to stay cool and hydrated.
  • After exploring the gardens, head back to the palace to see the Royal Apartments. This sequence allows you to appreciate the gardens in the cooler morning hours before moving indoors.

Frequently asked questions about Caserta Palace Gardens

What was the inspiration behind the gardens of Royal Palace of Caserta?

The Caserta Palace Gardens were heavily inspired by the French Baroque style, particularly the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Architect Luigi Vanvitelli aimed to create a sense of order, symmetry, and awe-inspiring vistas mirroring the power and wealth of the Bourbon dynasty.

What are the key features of the 'telescope effect' in the garden's design?

The "telescope effect" in the Caserta Palace Gardens is a clever optical trick achieved through strategic alignment and perspective. Pools, fountains, and cascades are positioned along a central axis, creating the illusion of an endless depth. Statues and sculptures frame this view, drawing the eye further down the line and enhancing the perception of vastness. It makes the gardens appear much larger and more expansive than they truly are.

How do the Italian gardens and English landscapes differ within the Caserta Palace Gardens?

The Italian gardens are characterized by their formal layout, symmetrical design, and ornate fountains. In contrast, the English landscapes feature more natural, romantic elements such as rolling lawns, winding paths, and varied plantings that mimic natural scenery, creating a relaxed and picturesque environment.

How has the design of the Caserta Palace Gardens influenced modern landscape architecture?

The Caserta Palace Gardens have influenced modern landscape architecture through their innovative use of space, water features, and the integration of formal and natural elements. The 'telescope effect' and the blending of Italian and English styles have inspired contemporary garden designers to create spaces that balance formality with natural beauty. Modern examples include the National Mall in Washington D.C. with its reflecting pool and monuments aligned along a central axis, or Longchamp Park in Paris, where the Grand Cascade leads the eye towards the cityscape.

What is the historical significance of the Caserta Palace Gardens in relation to the Bourbon dynasty?

The gardens symbolize the power and sophistication of the Bourbon dynasty. They were designed to showcase the wealth and taste of the Bourbons, serving as a symbol of their rule and cultural influence. The gardens also reflect the political and social aspirations of the dynasty during the 18th century.

How are the Caserta palace gardens maintained and preserved today?

To maintain their UNESCO World Heritage status, the Caserta Palace Gardens undergo a multi-faceted preservation effort. This includes meticulous restoration of fountains, sculptures, and water systems, alongside careful conservation of both completed Baroque sections and undeveloped areas. Horticultural experts meticulously care for the diverse plant collection, ensuring the gardens remain a flourishing testament to history and a captivating masterpiece of landscape design.

What are the best times of year to visit the Caserta Palace Gardens for optimal beauty?

The best times to visit are in the spring and early summer when the gardens are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant. The fall season also offers beautiful foliage and a more serene experience. Each season, however, has its unique charm and beauty.

Are there any guided tours for the Gardens?

Yes, guided tours are available for the Caserta Palace Gardens. These tours offer in-depth insights into the garden's design, history, and key features, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur and intricacies of the gardens.