Facts for Royal Palace of Caserta

• The palace was commissioned by the Bourbon king Charles III of Spain in the 18th century, with construction beginning in 1752.
• Charles III wanted a palace that would rival the grandeur of Versailles in France, and he chose the site of an existing royal hunting lodge in Caserta, Italy, as the location for the new palace.
• The palace was designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who drew inspiration from many classical and Renaissance styles.
• The construction of the palace took over two decades and was completed in 1774, long after Charles III had died.
• During the Napoleonic Wars, the palace was briefly occupied by French troops and suffered some damage, but it was later restored and remained the residence of the Bourbon kings until the unification of Italy in 1861.
• After the palace was no longer used as a royal residence, it was used for various purposes, including as a military barracks and as a film location.
• The palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and is now a popular tourist attraction, known for its grand architecture, extensive gardens, and famous water features.

Recommended Read: Caserta Palace History

• Caserta Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, with over 1.2 million square feet of floor space, more than 1,200 rooms, and 34 staircases.
• The palace's famous grand staircase, which leads up to the royal apartments, is made of marble and has 116 steps.
• The palace's impressive gardens cover more than 120 hectares and feature a variety of plants, fountains, and sculptures. One of the most famous features is the Grand Cascade, a series of waterfalls and pools that stretch for more than 500 meters.
• The palace was used as a filming location for several movies, including Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and Mission: Impossible III.
• In 1944, during World War II, the palace was bombed by Allied forces, causing significant damage to parts of the palace and gardens. However, much of the palace was able to be restored after the war.
• The palace was not only a residence for the Bourbon kings, but also served as a cultural center, with a theater, library, and art collection. Some of the palace's most famous artworks include works by Caravaggio and Raphael.
• The palace was also home to an impressive menagerie, with animals including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. The menagerie was disbanded in the 19th century, and the animals were relocated to other zoos.
• The palace is often referred to as the "Versailles of Italy" because of its grandeur and opulence, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

Also Visit: Caserta Palace Military Museum