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CASERTA AND ITS PALACE

Famous for the royal palace built by Vanvitelli, the town also comprises two other unique beauties: the San Leucio District and Old Caserta. The province of Caserta has some very important fascinating historic towns, like Capua, Piedimonte Matese, Santa Maria Capua Vetere and Sessa Aurunca.

History

Caserta was probably founded by the Capua Longobards at the beginning of the 8th century. Initially it was part of the Benevento Duchy, and later passed under the Capua Counts; it became a county in the middle of the 12th century under Ruggero II, and then passed from hand to hand of various noble families. It became part of the province of Naples in 1927, but before saw various happenings, in 1544 it was a Principality with the Acquaviva family from Aragon, in 1635 it passed under the domain of the Caetani di Sermoneta who, in 1750, left the Principality to the Bourbons. Farming is still the main economic resource for the province thanks to the extremely fertile volcanic soil, and the reclaimed land the city stands on; over recent years there has been a decline in agriculture however, but industry and tertiary activities are flourishing.

The city and its monuments

There are three main jewels to visit in Caserta: the ancient heart of the town, the San Leucio district and the Palace built by Vanvitelli. Old Caserta was originally called Casa Hirta; the Sicilian-Norman style Cathedral should be visited with its dome and gothic bell tower. The Church of the Annunciation, the Castle remains, the old seminar in Piazza Duomo and the 13th century houses are also very attractive and worth visiting. San Leucio is a work of art by Ferdinand IV, who wanted to create a colony of silk weavers based on an organisation principle of equality and merit. San Leucio silk is famous throughout the world and is used in some very illustrious residences, like the White House and the Kremlin. However, the whole world identifies Caserta with the Royal Palace and the park built by Vanvitelli and his son Carlo in 1700. The entire town develops around this unique work of art, with its rectangular plan with four internal courtyards and two classic style monumental façades. The Bourbon family lived here in spring and autumn, entertaining the noble and illustrious guests in the enormous neoclassic halls.

The geographical area

There are several places worth visiting in the province of Caserta. Capua, a crucial geographic point in past history, which became important when Frederic II built the door that indicated the entrance to his kingdom, which remained until the Bourbon army gave in to Garibaldi. There are all sorts of historic remains that testify the town’s past: 15th century portals, engravings, capitals and remains of sculptures from the Roman and Medieval eras. Piedimonte Matese is an ancient hamlet that can be reached from Piazza del Municipio, which is overlooked by the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, built around the 18th century; the Ducal Palace should also be visited which was renovated in 1700. Finally, Sessa Aurunca is rich in history with testimonies from the Roman through to the Baroque periods, passing through Medieval on the way: monuments and buildings to recall the past and offer the tourist the chance to discover the beauty and fascination of the history of the place.

Other cities nearby Caserta

Baia Domizia · Alvignano · Fontegreca · Galluccio · San Gregorio Matese · Caserta ·