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Piazza Sant’Anna, 81100 Caserta, Italy (August 2019)
Caserta
Caserta, a vibrant city in the Campania region of southern Italy, is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in a harmonious blend. Located about 30 kilometres north of Naples, Caserta is often called the “Versailles of Italy” because of its magnificent Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece that draws visitors from all over the world. The city combines the grandeur of its royal past with the charm of modern Italian life, offering a unique experience that captures both the elegance of history and the vitality of contemporary culture.
The heart of Caserta’s fame lies in the Reggia di Caserta, the Royal Palace commissioned by King Charles VII of Naples in the eighteenth century. Designed by the brilliant architect Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace is one of the largest royal residences in the world. Its symmetrical façade, grand staircases, and breath-taking gardens reflect the opulence and power of the Bourbon dynasty. The palace complex also includes the enchanting Royal Park, with its cascading fountains, sculptures, and a long avenue that leads to the scenic waterfall at the base of Mount Briano. Together, these elements create an atmosphere of majesty and tranquillity that makes the site a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Beyond the palace, Caserta reveals a wealth of hidden gems. The city’s historic centre is filled with elegant streets, traditional cafes, and lively piazzas that showcase the warmth of local life. The nearby medieval village of Casertavecchia, perched on a hill overlooking the city, offers narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and panoramic views that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. It is a peaceful retreat where time seems to slow down, and the local hospitality adds to its charm.
Caserta is also known for its strong cultural and culinary traditions. The region produces excellent mozzarella di bufala, fresh tomatoes, and rich wines that define the authentic flavours of Campania. Local festivals celebrate music, art, and food, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the year. The city’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring southern Italy, with easy access to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Whether you are drawn by its regal architecture, its picturesque landscapes, or its welcoming spirit, Caserta offers an unforgettable glimpse into the elegance and heart of Italy’s southern heritage.
Worth a Visit
Piazza Dante, originally known as Piazzetta ellittica del Trivio, was created in the early 19th century as part of the new east–west axis extending from the Royal Palace’s gardens. Following Italy’s unification, it was renamed “Piazza Margherita*“ in honour of the Queen and swiftly became Caserta’s “salotto buono”, a refined gathering place for civic life. The square is defined by its elegant elliptical shape and four identical porticoed buildings, hence its earlier name, Piazza dei Quattro Canti. These harmonious facades house the historic Circolo Nazionale and Circolo Sociale, key social hubs since the early 20th century, as well as the iconic Caffè Margherita, still operating under its original name.
The Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo stands at the heart of Caserta, serving as the seat of the diocese and a key symbol of the city’s spiritual life and architectural heritage. Built upon the site of an earlier church, the 15th-century Madonna Annunziata, this present-day cathedral reflects a narrative of rebirth and renewal. The cathedral’s founding arises from tragedy: in 1783, a fire consumed the parish church of San Sebastiano, prompting interim worship at the Madonna Annunziata chapel. Distressed by inadequate space, the local community petitioned King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1815, court architect Giovanni Patturelli was entrusted with drafting a new cathedral, though his design did not satisfy civic authorities.
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) stands as the largest royal residence constructed in Europe during the 18th century and ranks among the most majestic globally. Commissioned by Charles VII of Naples (later Charles III of Spain) in 1752, it was envisioned by architect Luigi Vanvitelli as both a statement of power and a functional centre where monarchy, court, and government intermingled, an ideal of enlightened absolutism realized through architectural cohesion. The palace occupies an astonishing 47,000 m² of floor space distributed over five floors, enveloping approximately 1,200 rooms and four internal courtyards. Its striking façade stretches symmetrically, anchored within a monumental structure reminiscent. but not derivative, of counterparts like Versailles.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via Fulvio Renella to Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo, Piazza Duomo
Approximately 1.59 km – 0.99 miles
The walk starts in Via Fulvio Renella – Piazza Sant’Anna – Santuario di Sant’Anna, Piazza Sant’Anna – Via Giuseppe Verdi – Via Cesare Battisti – Via Roma – Via Cesare Battisti – Piazza Dante – Corso Trieste – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Via Alessio Simmaco Mazzocchi – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Via Franco Ferrante – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Via del Redentore – Piazza Duomo – Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo, Piazza Duomo
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Via S. Carlo to Via Giuseppe Verdi
Approximately 2.85 km – 1.77 miles
The walk starts in Via S. Carlo – Via Vincenzo Crispo – Via S. Carlo – Via Michele Ferrara – Via S. Carlo – Chiesa di Montevergine, Via S. Carlo – Viale Medaglie D’Oro – Via S. Carlo – Via Generale Alberto Pollio – Piazza Luigi Vanvitelli – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Via del Redentore – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Corso Trieste – Sacrario dei Caduti dell’Aeronautica, Piazza Antonio Gramsci – Piazza Carlo Terzo – Viale Giulio Douhet – Piazza Carlo III – Piazza Garibaldi Giuseppe – Via Giuseppe Verdi
Photo Gallery of La Reggia di Caserta ed il Parco Reale
Photo Gallery of Giardino Inglese, La Reggia di Caserta ed il Parco Reale
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