Caserta Italy
The Reggia di Caserta, designed by Vanvitelli, with its Park and
English Garden, was built in the mid 18th century by order of the king of
Naples, who wanted it to rival the Palace of Versailles. Vanvitelli, the
most famous architect of the period, accepted the challenge, and today it is
one of the most visited of Italian monuments, and is an interesting example
of a royal residence along with those in Naples (Palazzoo Reale, Capodimonte,
Portici) and in the provinces (San Leucio, Carditello and Persano).
Vanvitelli's genius is evident in the architecture of the imposing complex.
The visit begins with the Galleria and continues with the Staircase and the
enormous statue of Heracles, which was found in the Thermae o fCaracalla.
Next comes the Vestibule, with its ornately decorated ceiling, and the
Cappella Palatina, followed by the Royal Apartments, accessed through the
Sala degli Alabardieri (halberdiers), with its stuccowork, decorations and
busts of the queens and then by the lavishly furnished Sala delle Guardie
del Corpo (bodyguards). Through to the splendidly furnished Alexander Room (for
entertaining people without a title) and onto the Mars Room, which is even
more sumptuous and magnificent. Thence on to the Astraea Room (for diplomats),
with its painting of the goddess of Justice, Astraea, the high-relief of the
group of Heracles and the Provinces, followed by the largest room, the
Throne Room, with its splendid floor, stuccowork, 46 medallions of the kings,
furnishings, frescoes, and Throne.
The luxuriously furnished New Apartment includes the Council Room, the
Drawing Room, the Bedroom, and the Bathroom of Francis 11. The bath is a
large tub in oriental granite; the Empire-style toilet in the centre
comprises 32 pieces in marble.
The next room is the Study of Francis 11, and beyond it begins the Murat
Apartment with two Antechambers, Murat's Bedroom, the Drawing Room and the
Pio IX Chapel, all of which are magnificent.
The Old Apartment, on the opposite side, opens with the Sala della Primavera
and continues with the Sala dell'Estate (from the names of the frescoes).
Sala dell'Autunno,Sala dell'Inverno (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter,
respectively), the Study of Ferdinand IV, the King's Drawing Room, Their
Majesties' Bedroom, and numerous other rooms, all lavishly furnished and
decorated. This wing includes the Palatine Library, with two Reading Rooms
and three Library Rooms), the Elliptical Room (with the Nativity Scene
created by the royal family), the Picture Gallery and the precious
Collection of Modem Art, all of which contain splendid decorations and
furnishings. Reminiscent of the San Carlo in Naples, the Theatre, which is
in the Courtyard, is remarkable. It has 41 boxes and includes the Palatine
Library with the collection of opera librettos of the period.
The secrets of the garden, discover the Royal Palace in
the moonlight.
Moonlight stroll from June/ October 2004
The park of the royal palace, considered one of the most beautiful garden in
the world, is hosting , running from June 19, the second edition of “ Routes
of Light “ which had a great success last year.
Every week-end the palace will be site of a wonderful show visitors have the
chance to walk along an extraordinary route made up of lights, special
effects, narrated stories and acoustic performances, with a magical
background of music of the Neapolitan which will help them discover the
secrets of the Palace: its gardens, its kings and the reasons why it was
built..
It isn’t simply a second edition because of last year’s success, but a new
route greatly improved and enriched, which ends with a visit to the English
garden , the most significant part of the whole park.
The path including the English garden, is about 1 km: after a nice walk
along the entrance alley , lighted with torches and with a ‘700 background
music, you will be lead about by art historians
They will describe the palace and will narrate its legends. Visitors will
admire its Vanvitellian facade, after they will be driven on a seesight-bus
as far as the huge Venus and Adonis fountain.
On their way, filmed documents, music and light games will lead the visitors
into the magic atmosphere of the places.
Later, at the fountain of Diana and Atteone, visitors have the possibility
to assist a wonderful perfomance made of lights, sounds, voices and colours
explaining the legend about the 2 figures of the statue.
The routs end up at the English garden which visitors will reach in small
groups.
Here, each visitor will be given a torch, the alternance of dark spots and
coloured lights together with the musical background and magic atmosphere
will make them live an unforgettable experience.
Info
Royal Palace Caserta
June 19 to October
every week end
Every night from 17 to 22 August
First Group departure after sunset (21.00) after that every 20 minutes.
The full itinerary takes about 2 hours with a1 km walk in the gardens
Fares
Ticket euro 18.00
Owners Campania Arte card euro 15.00
Special price for families ( 2 adults+ 2 children up to 16 ) Euro 36.00
Special price for groups ( minimum 30 persons) Euro 16.00 per person
Limited itinerary without English garden Visit: Euro 14.00 |
