Caserta: Royal Palace, Art and Historic Landscapes

Caserta between the Royal Palace, Park and Nature

Caserta combines the royal history of the Reggia di Caserta with the grounds of the Parco Reale and other cultural sites. The complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 and is now one of the largest royal residences in the world. The Parco Reale was created according to designs by Luigi Vanvitelli and his son Carlo. Its central axis is formed by the Via d’Acqua. The Giardino Inglese is also part of the grounds; it is considered one of the first examples of its kind on the European mainland. In the Bosco di San Silvestro, you will also find a site of community importance recognized by the European Union, which has been part of the Natura 2000 network since 1995.

Casertavecchia and Its Historic Heritage

A second focal point is Casertavecchia, a completely preserved medieval village. The historic center includes a 12th-century cathedral, a bell tower, the remains of a castle and a network of characteristic alleyways. The Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo dates from the period between 1153 and 1197. Its architecture is characterized by Sicilian Romanesque style and combines Islamic and Gothic influences.

Museums, Churches and Hidden Collections

The Museo Diocesano di Caserta is located in the church of SS.mo Redentore in the historic center of Caserta. It houses around 200 works dating from the 14th to the 19th century and documents the artistic and religious tradition of the Casertano area. The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino preserves paintings from the 17th century as well as works by Giacinto Diano, Domenico Mondo, Bardellino and Antonio Dominici.

The Chiostro di Sant’Agostino complex includes a 16th-century cloister, an adjoining monastery that houses the Museo delle tradizioni, recognized as being of regional interest, and the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea. This brings religious, regional and contemporary themes together in a historical setting.

San Leucio: Silk and Visitor Routes

The silk factory at the San Leucio complex was inaugurated in 1778. The Belvedere di San Leucio comprises three areas open to visitors. The visitor route extends over two floors and passes nine handlooms. This allows the history of the site to be explored simultaneously through its architecture and textile production.

Water Engineering and Paths through the Park

The Acquedotto Carolino is a water-engineering work designed by Luigi Vanvitelli. Following a 38-kilometer course, it carries water to the Parco Reale and supplies its fountains. The Via d’Acqua runs on a gentle incline from the Fontana Margherita to the Torrione del Monte Briano. There, the Via d’Acqua combines water management, garden design and a gently inclined path.

Science and Technology in Caserta

The Museo Storico-Scientifico e Tecnologico “Michelangelo” combines science, technology, history and natural history. It displays objects from natural history, science and technology in the fields of mineralogy, pure sciences and topography. The Museo Michelangelo also traces the history of science and technology from the mid-19th century to the 1990s.

Railway Station and Historic Train Service

Caserta railway station is located directly opposite the Reggia di Caserta. The Reggia Express is a historic train service on the Naples–Caserta route.

Other Places for Orientation

If you are planning your trip to Italy beyond Caserta, you will find further places for orientation here: Falciano Del Massico, Alvignano, Vitulazio, Mondragone, Caiazzo, Rocca d'Evandro, San Nicola La Strada and Casapulla.

To the higher-level travel overview: Caserta.