A guide to the Royal Palace of Caserta: history, tickets, opening hours, and what to see.

History of the Royal Palace of Caserta

La Palace of Caserta It is much more than a royal palace: it is the largest royal building in the world by volume, with its 47.000 m² of surface area, 5 floors and 4 internal courtyards. Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon as a new residence of the Neapolitan court, construction began in 1752 based on the architect's design Luigi Vanvitelli.

The king chose Caserta for the beauty of the landscape and its safety away from the sea. The aim was to compete with the Palace of VersaillesThe works continued after Vanvitelli (1773) with his son Carlo, and the palace was inhabited from 1780, completed in 1845. In 1997 has been declared UNESCO heritage.

What to see inside the Palace

The Grand Staircase

Il monumental Staircase of Honor The double ramp has 116 marble steps on four levels connected by superimposed galleries.

The Royal Apartments

- Appartamenti Reali they are a riot of marbles, frescoes, gilded stucco and period furnishings: Throne Room, Alexander Room and other richly decorated rooms.

The Court Theatre and the Palatine Chapel

Il Court Theater It is a neoclassical jewel with a horseshoe plan. Palatine Chapel It preserves valuable stucco and polychrome marble decorations.

The Terrae Motus collection

On the ground floor there is Terrae Motus, collection of contemporary art with works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring e Joseph Beuys.

The Royal Park and Gardens

Il Royal Park It extends for approximately 120 hectares. Along its 3 km length, you will find monumental fountains such as the Fountain of Diana and Actaeon , Big Waterfall, powered by theCarolino Aqueduct.

Il English garden It is a romantic oasis with exotic plants, artificial lakes and the Bath of Venus.

Tickets and costs 2026

• Full ticket (Apartments + Park + English Garden): 14 €
• Royal Apartments only: 12 €
• Parcoday (Park + English Garden only): 9 €
• Reduced 18-25 years: 2 €
• Free: minors under 18, disabled people and their companions, teachers

Royal Apartments Opening Hours8:30 am - 19:30 pm (closed Tuesdays). Park: Variable hours (15:30 pm - 19:00 pm). English Garden closes early.

How to get to the Royal Palace

By train: from Naples Central Station to Caserta in 40-60 minutes (€4,80-5,50). The station is in front of the Royal Palace.

By car:A30 Caserta Sud exit (from Naples) or A1 Caserta Nord exit (from Rome). Parking in Piazza Carlo III.

By bus: C1RT CTP line from Naples Central.

FAQ

How long does the visit last?

At least 2 hours for the Apartments, 3-4 hours with the Park, half a day to the waterfall.

Is the place accessible?

Yes, with elevators and accessible access. Free admission for disabled visitors and their companions.

Is it worth buying the ticket online?

Yes, to skip the line at the ticket office.

Best time?

Spring and autumn. In summer, it's best in the morning.