Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Campania, the Royal Palace of Caserta offers a regal escape from the bustling tourist crowds of nearby Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Known as the “Versailles of Italy,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, offering visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the opulence of the 18th century. But beyond the palace’s grandeur, the surrounding areas—Casertavecchia, and the nearby Amalfi Coast—offer delightful opportunities to explore Italy’s rich culture, indulge in local culinary experiences, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is one of the most impressive royal residences in Europe. Built in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples, the palace was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and is considered a monumental achievement of Baroque architecture. As you approach the palace, its sheer size is staggering—covering over 120 acres of gardens and parkland, with over 1,200 rooms spread across four floors. The palace’s grandiose facades, adorned with statues and intricate carvings, offer a glimpse of the luxury that awaited the royal family.
Upon entering the palace, visitors are greeted by lavish interiors, including the Royal Apartments, where grand chandeliers, intricate frescoes, and sumptuous furniture evoke the splendor of royal life. The Throne Room, with its massive staircase and golden embellishments, is especially breathtaking. Beyond the interiors, the Palace Gardens are equally captivating. Designed in the formal French style, the gardens extend all the way to a cascading waterfall and a vast artificial lake, making it one of the largest and most beautifully landscaped parks in Italy. Wandering through the gardens offers a serene escape, with fountains, sculptures, and manicured hedges that transport visitors to a time of royal extravagance.
Just a short drive from the Royal Palace lies Casertavecchia, an enchanting medieval town With its narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys, Casertavecchia feels like a step back in time. The town’s charming atmosphere is perfect for those who wish to escape the modern hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Southern Italy.
One of the main attractions in Casertavecchia is the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, an impressive example of medieval architecture that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral’s facade, adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes, is a testament to the town’s rich historical and religious heritage. Inside, visitors can admire beautifully preserved frescoes and stone columns that transport them back to a time when Casertavecchia was a prominent settlement.
As you wander through the narrow, winding streets of Casertavecchia, you’ll discover small local shops selling handmade crafts and products, perfect for those looking to take home a unique souvenir. The town also offers several cozy restaurants where visitors can savor traditional Campanian dishes while soaking in the medieval ambiance. Casertavecchia’s tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of its ancient architecture and picturesque views.
While Caserta and Casertavecchia are captivating in their own right, they also serve as perfect jumping-off points for exploring the world-renowned Amalfi Coast. A short drive south will take you to this stunning stretch of coastline, famous for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters.
No visit to Campania would be complete without experiencing its culinary delights. The region is renowned for its pizza and pasta, and what better way to experience these iconic dishes than by learning how to make them yourself? In the towns surrounding Caserta, several cooking schools offer hands-on pizza and pasta-making workshops, where you can roll up your sleeves and discover the secrets behind these beloved Italian staples.
During a pizza-making class, you’ll learn how to knead and stretch the dough to perfection, top it with fresh local ingredients like mozzarella di bufala, tomatoes, and basil, and bake it in a traditional wood-fired oven. The result is a delicious, authentic Neapolitan pizza that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage.
For pasta lovers, Campania is also home to a variety of traditional pasta dishes, such as gnocchi alla Sorrentina and pasta alla Genovese. In a pasta-making workshop, you’ll have the chance to prepare fresh pasta by hand, whether it’s delicate ravioli or classic spaghetti, and learn the techniques behind creating a perfect sauce. Enjoying your creations at the end of the class is the perfect way to savor the flavors of Campania and take a piece of Italy home with you.
Getting Off the Beaten Path staying on it !
Visiting Caserta Royal Palace, Casertavecchia, and the Amalfi Coast offers a perfect combination of history, beauty, and culture, but what makes these destinations truly special is the opportunity to get off the beaten path. While the Royal Palace draws large crowds, its sprawling gardens offer a peaceful escape. Casertavecchia, with its medieval charm, is a hidden treasure, while the Amalfi Coast’s lesser-known villages offer a quieter, more authentic experience.
By venturing beyond the usual tourist hotspots, you’ll uncover the authentic charm of this beautiful region, whether it’s wandering through ancient streets, savoring a homemade pizza, or simply enjoying the stunning views. Caserta and its surrounding areas provide an enriching and memorable experience, offering a true taste of southern Italy without the crowds.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a ‘monumental work, with 1200 rooms, at the time it was thought to channel the sea from Mondragone to the Palace to give it a sea view, well this project was not realized at that time, even if it was not a bad idea.
It was not a bad idea at all, this place is becoming more and more a destination for tourists heading south, with the coast a short distance away to put to see a ‘remarkable work that you would not even expect.
The modern city is a consequence of the construction of the Reggia, which deserves a ‘whole day of your time. The park is huge and not least are the apartments, the higher part instead retains the medieval plan and small gems of value; nearby we find the ancient Capua, home of the most famous gladiatorial school of the ‘Roman Empire, and not to forget that food and pizza of excellent quality in these parts are part of the real everyday life, it is really complicated to find a place where you do not eat at very high standards and at prices not competitive, not being the place destination of over tourism;
Remember that here is the best pizzeria in the world 2023 I Masanielli and a short distance away the two-time winner Pepe in grani, what do you say is worth devoting a day or even two?
