City of Caserta, Italy: description, history and interesting facts

The city of Caserta (Italy) is located in the south-west of the Iberian Peninsula. It is part of the administrative area 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: the old Caserta - the historical center, Piedimonte di Casolla with the Benedictine monastery (the Arab-Roman style), Vacheria - the stable yard of the monks, San Leucce - the weaving factory, Falciano.

Caserta during the Lombards (late 1st century AD)

In ancient times there was a small nameless for us settlement. Feudal wars swept over the land. The Earl of Capua, Pando Greedy, went to conquer the lands of his nephew Landenulf. He defeated his small detachment and settlement. At this point, the Count built a watchtower that exists to the present day. Residents went to the mountains 10 km from the houses. This is how Casertavecchia ("old Caserta") was formed.

On Mount Tifatini

This place people have chosen in ancient times. There was a town called Kazam Irtam. The settlers strengthened it by the 9th century, as they suffered from the attack of 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 receives this town as a gift from the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. With him, the town is flourishing. His further life is connected with the arrival of the Aragon dynasty in the 15th century. A century later, residents move from the mountain to the valley and begin to settle 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 XVI century, the territories in question are owned by the Spanish aristocrats Aquaviva, and then by Caetani. In the XVIII century, they sell 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 should be safe from attacks from the sea, so choose a place Caserta. The settlement is moved 10 km to one side, and the construction of the grandiose royal palace of the Reggia di Caserta begins. He should outshine Versailles with his brilliance and grandeur. The King invites the architect Luigi Vantivelli. Samples serve as two royal palaces - Spanish, where Carl spent his childhood, and French. At the construction site employs more than 2500 people. Among them are local residents, convicts and Muslim slaves. First builders completely change the landscape, and then start from scratch to build the building in five floors. It is rectangular. Its length is 247 m and its width is 184 m. It has 4 inner courtyards, each of which is more than 3800 m 2. In addition, there are internal galleries, and 1200 chambers are connected by 56 stairs. Lighting is provided by 1742 windows. Forty huge halls are painted with frescoes, and in Versailles there are eight less. The laying of the park began a year later.

Royal Chambers

From the octagonal vestibule, a large marble staircase with 117 steps leads into the large Palatine chapel . The edges of its first platform are decorated with two marble lions. The ceilings are painted: they show the seasons. Behind the chapel is the court theater. Residential chambers are decorated in Empire style with paintings and bas-reliefs. After going through the enfilades, you can get to the bedroom of Ferdinand II. Continuing the inspection, the tourist reaches the Throne Room. This most memorable room is decorated with gilding, paintings, medallions with portraits of all the rulers of Naples and the arms of all the provinces of the kingdom. There is also a fresco that recalls the first laying of a stone in the basement of the palace. The tourist will visit the King's study and bedroom, as well as the Queen's bathroom with Venetian mirrors and rococo murals.

Royal Park

The regular part extends three kilometers in length with two parallel alleys, along which are located the most beautiful fountains: Margarita, Eola Fountain, Ceres, waterfalls, fountains of Venus and Adonis, Diana and Actaeon (the most famous is at the foot of the large cascade). Then he goes to the landscape park in a free English style. Its western part is called the Old Forest. It existed long before the construction. There are 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 is a huge lake. It was supplied with water from a system of aqueducts, designed by Luigi Vantivelli. In the center is an artificial island, on which Queen Maria Carolina loved to retire.

Interesting Facts

• The laying of the palace took place on the birthday of the king. He himself laid the first stone.
• The king never lived in the palace, because he left his kingdom for the sake of the Spanish crown.
• The architect died, and did not see the completion of the work. His business continued and was completed by his son.
• In the palace these days Star Wars episodes (The Hidden Attack and Attack of the Clones), the movie Mission Impossible 3, The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, the scenes of the film Waterloo by S. Bondarchuk .

San Leuchcho

On the territory of the park was a silkworm manufacture created in the 18th century and the settlement of weavers around it in San Leuccho. Today this factory has become one of the attractions of Caserta and turned into a Silk Museum. There you can see the old looms and follow all the operations for the production of expensive fabrics. Today the silk of the city of Caserta (Italy) is famous far beyond its borders. They decorate the interiors of the royal palaces of Europe and our Kremlin.

What you can visit next to Caserta

Far from the tourist routes is Caserta (Italy). Attractions can also be found in the neighboring town of Capua. In his arena fought the famous gladiator Spartacus. And after that you can make purchases in the outlet.

Caserta (Italy): shopping

Fans of modern fashion should definitely visit the designer outlet "La Redja". He is in Marchaniz. The territory of its large and involves slow purchases. There are bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as a children's playground. More than 200 designer and luxury brands are sold here at a discount of 35 to 70%. Among them there are always AlbertaFerretti, Blumarine, Armani, Versace, Prada, Polo Ralph Lauren, Trussardi and Valentino. And to buy silk products, you should visit the showroom in San Leuchcho.

Climatic conditions

The weather in Caserta (Italy) is moderately warm. Most of the precipitation falls in November (the temperature varies in the range of +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 the Golden Tulip. It is very comfortable, has a swimming pool with a sunbathing lawn. The 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 and cozy. The beds are comfortable. Of course, there is Wi-Fi. Russian travelers are more than happy with them.

Visiting 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, quietly make purchases (if time and money allow), and you can also see Vesuvius and Pompeii.