18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
http://www.reggiadicaserta.org/

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 87 ha
- Buffer zone: 111 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 14,326°
Latitude: 41,073°

Summary

The monumental complex at Caserta, created by the Bourbon king Charles III in the mid-18th century to rival Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, as well as natural woodland, hunting lodges and a silk factory. It is an eloquent expression of the Enlightenment in material form, integrated into, rather than imposed on, its natural setting.

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18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex

The 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Provinces of Caserta and Benevento, Campania, Italy. This magnificent complex is a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the Bourbon dynasty and stands as a remarkable example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.

History

The construction of the Royal Palace at Caserta began in 1752 under the reign of Charles VII of Naples and Sicily, who later became Charles III of Spain. The palace was designed by the renowned architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who aimed to create a rival to the Palace of Versailles in France. The construction took over 70 years to complete and was finally finished in 1845.

The palace served as the royal residence for the Bourbon kings of Naples and Sicily until the unification of Italy in 1861. It witnessed the reigns of several monarchs, including Ferdinand IV, Charles IV, and Ferdinand II. The palace was not only a symbol of royal power but also a center for art, culture, and politics.

Architecture and Design

The Royal Palace at Caserta is an architectural masterpiece, spanning over 2 million square feet. The palace features a grand central building with four courtyards and a vast park covering approximately 120 hectares. The interior of the palace is adorned with luxurious decorations, frescoes, and intricate details, showcasing the artistic talents of the time.

The park surrounding the palace is a stunning example of Italian garden design, with fountains, waterfalls, and perfectly manicured lawns. The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, an impressive engineering feat, supplies water to the park's numerous fountains and cascades. The San Leucio Complex, located nearby, was established as a silk manufacturing center by Ferdinand IV and is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Current State

Today, the 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex stands as a major tourist attraction and a testament to the rich history of the region. The palace is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its grand halls, royal apartments, and extensive gardens.

The palace has also been used as a filming location for several movies, including Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Its grandeur and architectural beauty continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

Address
Distance: 1,6 mi
Via San Leucio Località Case Sparse 24
81022 Caserta
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 12:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Reggia di Caserta - Italy - Naples

Published: November 11, 2012
Length: 41:58 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: livison davison

Alcune immagini della Reggia.

Concerto di Laura Pausini alla Reggia di Caserta 15/07/14

Published: July 23, 2014
Length: 55:43 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: emanuele massa

sperò che il video vi piaccia.

Passeggiata in bici nella Reggia di Caserta e Caserta vecchia ...

Published: March 03, 2015
Length: 12:40 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Stella Stellina

Una giornata all'insegna dello sport sano, risate e nuove amicizie ... ma cosa più bella è che si è tinta di ROSA ... dato che le più grandi campionesse del ciclismo italiano si sono riunite...