Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)
Piazza Carlo di Borbone, Caserta, Italy, 81100
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), famous for its massive size and opulent style, is a triumph of late Italian Baroque architecture. The largest royal residence in the world, the palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shares a number of features with the Palace of Versailles and is one of the most-visited monuments in southern Italy.
The Basics
The 18th-century Royal Palace (Reggia di Caserta) was built by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It sits majestically on a hill overlooking its 300 acres of undulating grounds, including ornate fountains and water features and the English Garden, one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. The palace, inspired by Versailles in France and similarly opulent structures in Madrid, includes 1,200 rooms on five floors, including royal apartments, the Throne Room, the Palatine Chapel, and the Grand Staircase, all sumptuously decorated with frescoes, marble, and gold leaf. The Royal Palace and park are among the most popular attractions in the region of Campania; the best way to fully appreciate its architecture and history is by taking a private guided tour of the palace and its beautiful gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
As one of the largest palaces in the world, visiting the Reggia di Caserta is a mammoth undertaking. You’ll be spending most of the day on your feet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
If you don’t want to tour the grounds on foot, you can rent a bike, take the bus, or opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride.
The palace and grounds are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
The palace is located in Caserta, just north of Naples—it’s an easy day trip from Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, or Rome. (Exit the Autostrada A1 at Caserta Nord.) You can also take the train right to Caserta.
When to Get There
The Reggia di Caserta is open 8am to 7:30pm daily, except for Tuesdays. The grounds close earlier in winter. The English Garden is open for guided tours more or less hourly (10am to 4:30pm daily).
San Leucio
The grounds of the royal palace also house the historic San Leucio silk factory; today it’s the Silk Museum, with original looms and historic machinery on display.
What are some of the main highlights of the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)?
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) was reputedly built to rival the Palace of Versailles—and has baroque features to match. The main highlights are a grand staircase leading to the Royal Apartments, a collection of wooden models and architectural drawings of the palace, and a landscaped park with a manicured English garden.
Can you take guided tours of the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)?
Yes, you can take guided tours of the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). The palace offers daily tours departing from the ground floor near the main entrance on Piazza Carlo di Borbone. Some private companies offer tours that combine convenient round-trip transport from Naples with skip-the-line privileges.
Can you take photographs inside the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)?
Yes, you can take photos inside the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), but there are some restrictions. Inside most of the palace complex, you can take photos for personal use. Within the Royal Apartments, Palatine Chapel, and Court Theatre, you cannot take photos or video with a flash or any professional equipment.
Is the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) accessible?
Yes, the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is accessible. Visitors with mobility restrictions can enter the complex via an elevator at the central gate entrance on Piazza Carlo di Borbone and explore the park grounds with a specialized shuttle or on small electric golf carts.
Is there free parking at the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)?
No, there isn’t free parking at the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). There’s paid parking at Piazza Matteotti, the underground garage at Piazza Carlo di Borbone, and several other lots and garages nearby. The palace is in front of the Caserta train station—arriving by public transport can help you avoid parking fees.
How long does it take to visit the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta)?
The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is immense, with roughly 1,200 rooms, 34 staircases, and a landscaped garden stretching for nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers). Not all of the palace is open to the public, so plan on spending at least half a day visiting—this could easily turn into a full day.
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