Overview of Caserta Palace

Caserta Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Caserta, is a grand palace located in the city of Caserta, Italy. It was commissioned by Charles III of Bourbon, who ruled the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily from 1734 to 1759. The palace was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and construction began in 1752. It took over 70 years to complete the palace and its surrounding park.


The palace was designed to rival the grandeur of Versailles in France and was intended to be the Bourbon dynasty's main royal residence. The palace was built in a Baroque style and has a total of 1,200 rooms, including several grand halls and galleries. The most impressive is the Grand Staircass in Reggia di Caserta, which has over 100 steps and leads to the royal apartments. The palace was used as a residence by the Bourbon kings until the Unification of Italy in 1861. After this, it was used for various purposes, including as a military hospital and as the headquarters of the Allied Forces during World War II.

History of Caserta Palace

Commissioning and Construction
Commissioning and Construction

The Royal Palace of Caserta is a magnificent palace located in southern Italy. It was commissioned by Charles III of Bourbon, who was the king of Naples and Sicily and was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli. The palace was built to rival the grandeur of Versailles in France and was intended to be the Bourbon dynasty's main royal residence.


The construction of the palace began in 1752 and took over 70 years to complete. The palace was constructed using a combination of local materials, including limestone and marble. It was also built with the help of skilled artisans and craftsmen from Italy and other parts of Europe.


Also Visit: Caserta Palace Military Museum

Baroque Architecture
Baroque Architecture

The palace was built in a Baroque style, which was popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. The style was known for its grandeur, ornate decoration, and dramatic effects. The palace is a grand structure with a total of 1,200 rooms, including several grand halls and galleries. The most impressive of these is the Grand Staircase, which has over 100 steps and leads to the royal apartments.


The palace's design is heavily influenced by the Baroque style, with its use of curves, ornamentation, and intricate details. The palace is also characterized by its use of light and shadow, with large windows and skylights allowing natural light to flood into the interior spaces.


Also Explore: Things to See in Reggia di Caserta

Use as a Royal Residence
Use as a Royal Residence

The palace was used as a residence by the Bourbon kings until the Unification of Italy in 1861. During this time, it was the centre of Bourbon power and the site of lavish court ceremonies. The palace was also used to house the Bourbon family's extensive art collection, which included works by some of the most renowned artists of the time.


Suggested Read: Royal Palace of Caserta Hall of Mirrors

UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site

The palace and its surrounding park were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The site is considered one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in Europe and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The palace's rich history and its stunning architecture have made it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, or history.


Visit More: Royal Palace of Caserta Royal Court Theater

Royal Palace of Caserta Tickets

Royal Palace of Caserta Guided tour (English)
i4.5 Stars| Rated By 33+ Customers
Royal Palace Of Caserta Guided Tour English
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Starts at
63
Saving 1%
62.1
/per adult
Highlights
  • Have an amazing time exploring the biggest palaces ever made in Europe without any hassle of the waiting line

  • Admire the large rooms on all five floors of the palace and see the beautiful Baroque architecture and frescoes in all the rooms

  • Find yourself getting immersed in the tranquility of English gardens where you will get to see rare plants and ponds

  • Book tickets to the Royal Palace of Caserta and learn about the history and architecture of the palace from a guide in English, or Italian

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • Please do not carry any luggage or large bags.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs, if you are found intoxicated, you might be asked to leave the tour/premises.
  • Ensure that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes during the tour.
  • All participants are required to show ID on arrival.
  • All international participants will have to share passport and visa details on arrival.
  • Make sure that you carry a water bottle along with you.
  • Participants are not allowed to carry any sharp object, lighter, luggage bag, alcohol, knife, etc.
Scroll down to read more
Royal Palace of Caserta Guided tour (Italian)
i4.5 Stars| Rated By 33+ Customers
Royal Palace Of Caserta Guided Tour Italian
highlightGuide
highlightMobile Voucher
View More Details
Starts at
63
Saving 1%
62.1
/per adult
Highlights
  • Have an amazing time exploring the biggest palaces ever made in Europe without any hassle of the waiting line

  • Admire the large rooms on all five floors of the palace and see the beautiful Baroque architecture and frescoes in all the rooms

  • Find yourself getting immersed in the tranquility of English gardens where you will get to see rare plants and ponds

  • Book tickets to the Royal Palace of Caserta and learn about the history and architecture of the palace from a guide in English, or Italian

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • Please do not carry any luggage or large bags.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs, if you are found intoxicated, you might be asked to leave the tour/premises.
  • Ensure that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes during the tour.
  • All participants are required to show ID on arrival.
  • All international participants will have to share passport and visa details on arrival.
  • Make sure that you carry a water bottle along with you.
  • Participants are not allowed to carry any sharp object, lighter, luggage bag, alcohol, knife, etc.
Scroll down to read more

FAQ’s of History of Caserta Palace

What is the history of Caserta Palace?

    The Royal Palace of Caserta was commissioned by Charles III of Bourbon in the 18th century and took over 70 years to construct. It was built to rival the grandeur of Versailles in France and was intended to be the Bourbon dynasty's main royal residence.

What architectural style was used in the construction of the Caserta Palace?

How was the Caserta Palace used during the Bourbon dynasty?

How did the Caserta Palace fare during World War II?

Why was the Caserta Palace designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?

What preservation efforts are being made to protect the Caserta Palace?

Explore Reggia Di Caserta