Garden Finder > Italy > Campania > Caserta Palazzo Reale La Reggia

Last updated on 27 February 08
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Caserta Palazzo Reale La Reggia

  4.7/5 (3 ratings)
  • Reggia di Caserta, Campania Photograph © psub
  • Caserta water sculpture Caserta Water Sculpture
  • Caserta cascade garden
  • Caserta cascade garden2

Gardenvisit Editorial

Caserta is often seen as an Italian Versailles, though its Neapolitan designer thought otherwise. Luigi Vanvitelli, an Italian patriot, was well-read in literature and philosophy and worked closely with his Bourbon patron. Charles III, his patron, wished to be an absolute but enlightened monarch. He was encouraged by a local philosopher, Giambattista Vico, who later became very famous. Vico saw monarchy as a necessity and myth as a key to understanding society. Caserta has a great sculpture programme based on the myths in Ovid's Metamorphosis. Critics may have been less than fair in judging Caserta 'a colossal monument to miniscule glory' (E Crankshaw, p 135). Yet its main axis is over 3 km in length and, as at Versailles, was integrated with a town plan. At Caserta, the town was not built. The garden is most famous for its River Road, originally planned to run 30 km to Naples. The cascade which launched the project is an operatic conception with a fall of 78m. Loudon, as quoted below, was amazed by the engineering achievement but would like to have seen an even greater fall. Gothein could only wonder at the way 'white bodies are mingled with the foaming, plunging waters'. The sculptures are profuse and their grouping lifelike. One can see Diana bathing with her nymphs and Acteon being torn to pieces by his hounds. Caserta also has an English garden.
Address - Caserta, Naples, Campania, Italy
Opening times - All year. Daily (except 1st January, 1st May and 25th December). Open 9am to dusk.
Admission - Entrance fee
Website - Visit the Caserta Palazzo Reale La Reggia website

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Reviews and Comments

Have you visited this garden?

  • about 1 year ago Leon said

    It's grand style is spectacular, less exhausting than Versailles, especially with the use of bicycles that are for hire. The English garden is fairly well maintained and the bath of Venus is beautiful. Everything Monty Don professes in his "Italian Gardens". The Palazzo is well furnished and the ceilings are superior to most other museums. Well worth the visit.

    (5.0/5)
  • over 1 year ago Anna Principe said

    I went to Italy when I was 20 years old with my beautiful mum, who has passed away. She went to see her family after many years. She hadn't been back since she got married. Anyway we stayed with one of her brothers who lives in Maddaloni, Caserta. We went to Palazzo Reale one day and I absolutely loved it! It was one of the most beautiful things that I had ever seen, besides my beautiful mum. The gardens were beautiful and the cascade di caserta was absolutely fabulous. Anyway I am almost 47 years old and the memories of my time in Italy with my beautiful mother are and will always stay with me. Hopefully to go back with my beautiful husband one day. XXOO

    (5.0/5)
  • over 5 years ago Luigi said

    Its fantastic - the avenue has to be the longest.

    (4.0/5)

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