CASERTA

From Naples or Rome (8 hours or 12 hours tour)

 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 its natural setting.

The Park, designed by the Architect Luigi Vanvitelli as a natural complement to the Royal Palace, extends over approximately 120 hectares on slightly sloping land. It is adorned with several fountains, with a crescendo of theatral effects, where the artistic powers of the natural element are subordinated to an architectural design based on perspective.

 The plant of the Royal Palace is rectangular, with the area inside divided in four courtyards, the building is 41 meters tall, it has around 1200 rooms. Wonderful are the Library, the Crib and obviously the Park with the fountains: the Fountain of the Dolphins, the Fountain of Eolo, the Fountain of Cerere, the Fountain of Venus and Adone and the Fountain of Diana.