The city of Caserta (Italy) is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is part of the administrative region of Campania with the main city of Naples and is the center of the province of the same name. The settlement is divided into 5 districts: old Caserta - the historical center, Piedimonte di Casolla with a Benedictine monastery (style - Arabic-Romanesque), Vacceria - the stables of the monks, San Leucche - weaving mill, Falciano.
Caserta in the time of the Lombards (end of the 1st century A.D.)
In ancient times, there was a small, nameless settlement for us. Feudal wars swept the land. Count of Capua Pando the Greedy set off to conquer the lands of his nephew Landenulf. He defeated his small detachment and settlement. At this point, the count built a watchtower, which exists to this day. Residents went to the mountains 10 km from the houses. So Casertavecchia ("old Caserta") was formed.
On Mount Tifatini
This place was chosen by people in ancient times. There stood the town of Kazam Irtam. Immigrants strengthened it by the 9th century, as they suffered from an attack by the Saracens. The center of the bishopric moved to Casertavecchia. And two centuries later, a cathedral was built, which was dedicated to Michael the Archangel. At the same time, Senor Ricardo di Lauro received this town as a gift from the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. With him, the town is experiencing its heyday. His further life was connected with the advent of the Aragonese dynasty in the 15th century. A century later, residents move from the mountain to the valley and begin to settle down around the tower, which was built by Pando Greedy. The city with the name Caserta (Italy) will appear later.
Owners of these lands
In the sixteenth century, the territories in question are owned by the Spanish aristocrats of Aquaviva, and then by Caetani. In the 18th century, they sold their possessions to the Neapolitan King Charles VII of Bourbon. He was looking for a place to build a magnificent summer residence. So in 1752 the city of Caserta appeared. Italy considers it a young city.
Bourbon Palace
The place was supposed to be safe from attacks from the sea, so they choose the town of Caserta. The settlement is moved 10 km to the side, and the construction of the grandest royal palace of Reggia Caserta begins. He must by his brilliance and grandeur overshadow Versailles. King invites architect Luigi Vantivelli. Examples are two royal palaces - Spanish, where Karl spent his childhood, and French. More than 2500 people work at the construction site. Among them are local residents, convicts and Muslim slaves. First, builders completely change the landscape, and then begin to build a building of five floors from scratch.
It is rectangular. Its length is 247 m and its width is 184 m. It has 4 courtyards, each of which has an area of more than 3800 m². In addition, there are internal galleries, and 1,200 chambers are connected by 56 staircases. Lighting is provided by 1742 windows. Forty huge halls are painted with frescoes, and in Versailles there are eight less. Bookmark the park began a year later.
Royal chambers
A wide marble staircase with 117 steps leads from the octagonal lobby to the large Palatine Chapel . The edges of her first landing are decorated with two marble lions.
The ceilings are painted: they depict the seasons. Behind the chapel is the court theater. The living quarters are decorated in Empire style with paintings and bas-reliefs. After going through the suites, you can get into the bedroom of Ferdinand II. Continuing the tour, the tourist reaches the Throne Hall.
This most memorable room is decorated with gilding, paintings, medallions with portraits of all the sovereigns of Naples and the coats of arms of all the provinces of the kingdom. There is also a fresco, which recalls the first stone laying in the base of the palace.
A tourist will definitely visit the king’s study and bedroom, as well as the Queen’s bathroom with Venetian mirrors and rococo paintings.
Royal park
The regular part extends three kilometers in length with two parallel alleys along which the most beautiful fountains are located: Margarita, the Eola fountain, Ceres, waterfalls, fountains of Venus and Adonis, Diana and Acteon (the most famous is located at the foot of a large cascade). Then he goes into a landscape park in a free English style. Its western part is called the Old Forest. It existed long before construction. It has paths that lead to the Little Castle - a small two-story octagonal pavilion. It has the shape of a tower and is surrounded by a moat. To the north of the Old Forest there is a huge lake. It was supplied with water from the aqueduct system developed by Luigi Vantivelli. In the center is an artificial island on which Queen Maria Carolina loved to retire.
Interesting Facts
- Bookmark the palace took place on the birthday of the king. He himself laid the first stone.
- The king never lived in the palace, as he left his kingdom for the sake of the Spanish crown.
- The architect died without seeing the completion of work. His work was continued and finished by his son.
- In the palace today, Star Wars episodes were filmed (“The Hidden Attack” and “The Attack of the Clones”), the film “Mission Impossible 3”, “Da Vinci Code”, “Angels and Demons”, S. Bondarchuk’s movie “Waterloo” .
San leuccio
Silk-spinning manufactory created in the 18th century and the settlement of weavers around it in San Leuccio appeared on the territory of the park. Today, this factory has become one of the attractions of Caserta and turned into a Museum of silk. There you can look at old looms and follow all the operations for the production of expensive fabrics. Today, the silks of Caserta (Italy) are famous far beyond its borders. They adorn the interiors of the royal palaces of Europe and our Kremlin.
What you can visit near Caserta
Far from the tourist routes is Caserta (Italy). Attractions can be found in the neighboring city - Kapuy. The famous gladiator Spartak fought in his arena . And then you can make purchases in the outlet.
Caserta (Italy): Shopping
Lovers of modern fashion should definitely visit the La Reggia designer outlet. It is located in Marchaniz.
Its territory is large and involves leisurely shopping. It has bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as a playground. More than 200 designer and luxury brands are sold here with a discount of 35 to 70%. Among them there are always Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Armani, Versace, Prada, Polo Ralph Lauren, Trussardi and Valentino. And to buy silk products, you should visit the showroom in San Leuccio.
Climatic conditions
The weather in Caserta (Italy) is moderately warm. Most precipitation falls in November (the temperature varies in the range +9 ... + 15 ° C), and the hottest and driest month is July (+23 ... + 29 ° C).
Golden Tulip, Caserta (Italy)
In Caserta, you can find at least 20 good hotels. One of the most modern and comfortable is Golden Tulip. It is very comfortable, has a swimming pool with a sunbathing lawn. Breakfast is delicious, varied and "rich." The room has a kettle, water, tea, coffee, TV, air conditioning, iron, hygiene products, a set of towels. The rooms themselves are spacious, bright, comfortable. The beds are comfortable. Of course there is Wi-Fi. Russian travelers are more than satisfied with it.
Having visited the city with such an interesting name Caserta (Italy), you will see a fantastically beautiful palace, in which, by the way, there are no crowds of tourists, you can safely make purchases (if time and money allow), and you can also see Vesuvius and Pompeii.