This Italian city in Campania is home to the Royal Palace of Caserta, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. It was also the site of a significant World War II battle.
Caserta, a city in southern Italy's Campania region, is home to the 18th-century Reggia di Caserta, one of the country's largest royal palaces. You can explore the medieval streets of Casertavecchia, learn about silk production at the San Leucio complex, and taste acclaimed pizzas that rival those of nearby Naples. The city's rich history and culinary scene make it an interesting destination for visitors to southern Italy.
The Royal Palace of Caserta
The Reggia di Caserta, built in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning over 45,000 square meters with 1,200 rooms. Inside the palace, you'll find the Throne Room with gilded moldings and a light blue velvet throne. As you walk through, you'll see rooms with painted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and antique furnishings. The recently reopened 19th-century wing displays the bedrooms of rulers Joachim Murat and Francis II, complete with large four-poster beds.
Royal Park and English Garden
The palace grounds extend nearly two miles. In the Royal Park, you'll see neoclassical statues of Apollo and the nine muses along the via d'acqua. The English Garden, a later addition, contains over 200 plant species and 24 sculptures. Many visitors arrive early in the morning to explore the gardens before the day gets warm. The climb to the top of the park allows you to see far into the distance, with shaded areas along the route where you can rest.
Casertavecchia: The Medieval Old Town
About 10 km from modern Caserta lies Casertavecchia, the medieval part of the city. This hilltop village contrasts with the grandeur of the Royal Palace. At its center stands the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, built with tuff stone. In September, the "Settembre al Borgo" festival brings concerts, performances, and exhibitions to the village.
San Leucio: The Royal Silk Factory
The Complesso Monumentale Belvedere di San Leucio, just 3 km from Caserta, demonstrates 18th-century industrial innovation. King Ferdinand IV converted a royal hunting lodge into a silk factory, aiming to create a self-sufficient industrial village. At the site, you can explore the royal apartments, visit the Silk Museum, and see restored silk-making tools that are still functional.
Caserta's Pizza Scene
Caserta has gained recognition for its pizza. At I Masanielli, pizzaiolo Francesco Martucci uses techniques like flash freezing and sous vide cooking to create pizzas with unexpected flavor combinations. For a more traditional approach, try Pepe in Grani, whose owner Franco Pepe was featured on Netflix's Chef's Table: Pizza. It's advisable to book your table in advance, as these pizzerias are popular with both locals and tourists.
Planning Your Visit
Caserta is 40 minutes from Naples by train, with frequent connections. If you're driving, you can use the Parcheggio Giordano parking facilities near the Royal Palace. March to May and September to November often have mild weather, making these good times to visit. For the Royal Palace, you might want to buy skip-the-line tickets online, especially for weekend visits, to avoid long waits.
