Caserta: Where Grandeur Meets Timeless Elegance.

Caserta: A Royal Escape to the Magnificent Reggia di Caserta

Caserta is a town that may not always be at the top of the typical Italian travel list, but it’s home to one of the most opulent and impressive palaces in Europe—the Reggia di Caserta. The Royal Palace of Caserta is often compared to Versailles, and rightly so; its grandeur, sprawling gardens, and beautiful interiors offer an experience that’s both awe-inspiring and serene. While the town itself may seem unassuming at first glance, Caserta is a hidden gem for lovers of history, architecture, and nature. This guide will focus on making the most of your time in Caserta, particularly in and around the Reggia, where you'll find some of Italy’s most incredible art, design, and royal history.

Day 1: The Grandeur of the Reggia di Caserta

Morning: Entering the Royal Grounds

Your visit to Caserta begins with the grand entrance to the Reggia di Caserta—a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans over 45,000 square meters, making it one of the largest palaces in the world. Built in the 18th century by the Bourbon King Charles III, the palace was meant to rival the great European residences of the time, and it does so with stunning success.

Start your day by entering through the Portale di Mezzo, the main gate, and marvel at the scale of the building that unfolds before you. As you approach the palace, take a moment to appreciate the symmetry and architectural elegance of the facade. The façade, designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, is a beautiful blend of Baroque and Neoclassical elements, characterized by its grand scale and imposing columns.

Once you’ve arrived at the main entrance, take in the Piazza d’Armi—the vast square that stretches out in front of the palace. This massive space was once used for military exercises and ceremonies and gives a real sense of the palace’s grandeur. From here, you can head inside to explore the royal apartments.

Lunch: A Royal Break

After your morning exploration, it's time to sit down for a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby trattorias or cafes around the palace. You’ll find plenty of options offering traditional Campanian dishes, such as pizza margherita or gnocchi alla sorrentina (gnocchi baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella). For something unique, try frittura di pesce (fried fish), a specialty of the region. Don’t forget to sip on a glass of Lacryma Christi wine, a local white wine from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Afternoon: The Royal Apartments and Hall of Mirrors

After lunch, head back to the palace to dive deeper into its opulent interiors. Begin with the Royal Apartments—a series of rooms designed to showcase the wealth and status of the Bourbon kings. The Sala del Trono (Throne Room) is a highlight, with its exquisite frescoes and massive chandeliers. The room was the setting for royal audiences and grand ceremonies, and it’s easy to imagine the splendor that once filled this space.

As you continue your tour through the palace, be sure not to miss the Sala degli Stucchi, a room adorned with intricate stucco work and magnificent paintings. Another iconic room is the Sala del Concilio, where the royal court would have gathered for important discussions.

The Sala degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) is one of the most stunning parts of the palace. Here, the grandeur of the Baroque era is on full display with its mirrors, gilded stuccoes, and chandeliers, all designed to reflect light and create an almost dizzying effect. It’s one of those rooms where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a different world entirely.

Evening: A Stroll Through the Gardens

In the late afternoon, head outside to explore the Royal Gardens. The gardens are as grand and meticulously designed as the palace itself. Spanning over 120 hectares, the gardens are a masterpiece of Italian landscaping, divided into different sections that mirror the ideals of both French and Italian gardening traditions. Begin by walking toward the Fontana di Diana e Atteone, a large fountain surrounded by lush greenery. The sculptures of Diana and Atteone are striking, and the water’s movement adds to the serene atmosphere.

The gardens extend all the way to the Giardino Inglese, an English-style garden that offers a more informal and romantic atmosphere, with winding paths, small lakes, and overgrown greenery. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Dinner: A Taste of Campania

Finish your day with a meal at one of the cozy restaurants around Caserta. You might want to try parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant Parmesan) or a hearty ragù alla napoletana (Neapolitan meat sauce). Many of the local restaurants pride themselves on using fresh, seasonal ingredients, so be sure to ask for a recommendation based on the season.

Day 2: Exploring More of Caserta’s Surroundings and Hidden Gems

Morning: A Visit to the Palace’s Park and Aqueduct

Start your second day with a visit to the Parco della Reggia, the vast park that surrounds the palace. The park is a beautiful blend of nature and human-made design, with perfectly manicured lawns, long tree-lined avenues, and a series of lakes. Walk along the main avenue toward the Grande Cascata (Great Waterfall), a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down the hill. The waterfall was designed to emulate natural landscapes and serves as a dramatic focal point in the garden.

As you explore the park, you’ll also come across the remains of the Acquedotto Carolino (Carolino Aqueduct), an impressive feat of engineering that provided water to the palace. The aqueduct stretches for several kilometers and offers a fascinating look at the technical innovations that made the grandeur of the Reggia possible.

Lunch: A Quiet Meal in the Countryside

For lunch, head a little outside of Caserta to the countryside for a relaxing meal at a rustic agriturismo (farmhouse). Here, you can enjoy homemade dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Opt for something simple like caciocavallo (a traditional southern Italian cheese) paired with local cured meats, or a fresh salad with pomodori del cuore di bue (beef heart tomatoes), a specialty of the region. Pair your meal with a glass of Falanghina wine, a crisp white from the Campania region.

Afternoon: Caserta Vecchia and the Cathedral

In the afternoon, take a short trip to Caserta Vecchia, the medieval town perched on a hill just outside the modern city. The town offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a completely different atmosphere from the grandeur of the palace. Stroll through its narrow streets and visit the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, a Romanesque church with impressive frescoes and a peaceful, contemplative ambiance.

You can also wander the cobbled streets and discover charming little shops selling local crafts and products. It’s a perfect place to pick up a souvenir or just enjoy a slower pace of life.

Evening: Sunset Over Caserta

Return to Caserta for your final evening. Take a leisurely walk through the town center, past Piazza Vanvitelli, a lively square at the heart of the city, and grab a gelato to enjoy as you watch the sunset. Caserta may not be as famous as Naples or Sorrento, but it offers a tranquil and authentic Italian experience.

End your day with a delightful dinner at one of the local eateries. You could try a fresh frittata di cipolle (onion omelet) or a classic pizza margherita, always a crowd-pleaser.

Day 3: The Art, History, and Beauty of Caserta

Morning: Royal Apartments and Art Collection

If you’re not quite done exploring the palace’s extensive history and artistic treasures, spend your last morning revisiting the royal rooms you may have missed the day before. The Royal Palaces of the Neapolitan Bourbons are rich with art, and you’ll find rooms filled with 18th-century paintings, furniture, and sculptures that highlight the refined taste of the ruling family.

In addition to the palace's main rooms, check out the Royal Chapel, with its stunning frescoed ceiling and sacred atmosphere. The Art Gallery of Caserta, located inside the palace, is also home to a rich collection of art pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, many of which were commissioned by the Bourbon family.

Lunch: A Final Taste of Caserta

On your final day, opt for a leisurely lunch at a local café. Try a classic caponata (a Sicilian eggplant stew) or a fresh spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), perfect for reflecting on your royal visit.

Afternoon: A Farewell to the Royal Gardens

End your stay in Caserta with a final stroll through the Royal Gardens, taking in the beauty of the landscape one last time. The tranquility of the gardens, combined with the impressive views of the palace in the distance, will leave you with a lasting impression of this remarkable destination.

Caserta: A Royal Experience Like No Other

Caserta is undoubtedly a place where grandeur meets serenity. With the breathtaking Reggia di Caserta at its heart, the town offers an enriching experience, from the splendid gardens and royal apartments to the peaceful countryside and charming medieval town of Caserta Vecchia. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Italy’s royal past and natural beauty while enjoying the warmth and authenticity of Campania. Whether you're exploring the intricacies of Bourbon architecture or taking in the view from the top of a hill in Caserta Vecchia, this royal escape will leave you with memories that linger long after you've left.