Discover Caserta: Royal Residence and Cultural Heritage

Caserta offers a range of cultural highlights: the royal residence and its gardens, medieval Casertavecchia, reminders of silk production, and museums devoted to art, science and technology.

Reggia di Caserta and Parco Reale

Today, the Reggia di Caserta is one of the largest royal residences in the world. The complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The Parco Reale is also closely connected to the history of the estate: it was created to designs by Luigi Vanvitelli and his son Carlo. Its central axis is the Via d’Acqua.

This waterway can also be seen as a landscaped route: the Via d’Acqua runs uphill at a gentle gradient from the Fontana Margherita to the Torrione del Monte Briano. Conditions along the route may vary; check the latest information before your visit. The Reggia’s Giardino Inglese is one of the earliest examples of its kind on the European mainland.

The complex also includes the Acquedotto Carolino, a waterworks designed by Luigi Vanvitelli. Along its 38-kilometre route, it carries water to the Parco Reale, supplying the fountains there. The park, waterway and aqueduct offer distinct perspectives on the history of gardens and engineering.

Casertavecchia: medieval centre and cathedral

Casertavecchia is a fully preserved medieval village. Its historic centre includes a 12th-century cathedral, a bell tower, the remains of a castle and a network of characteristic narrow streets. The Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo dates from 1153 to 1197. Its architecture is described as Italo-Norman, with Islamic and Gothic influences.

The cathedral’s date and architectural features give it a distinct place in the historic centre. If you are interested in medieval architecture, you can explore both the church itself and the wider village centre, with its narrow streets and preserved historic features.

Church art and museums in Caserta

The Museo Diocesano di Caserta is housed in the Church of SS.mo Redentore in the historic centre. It holds around 200 works dating from the 14th to the 19th century and documents the artistic and religious traditions of the Casertano area. The collection therefore spans several centuries.

The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino preserves 17th-century paintings as well as works by Giacinto Diano, Domenico Mondo, Bardellino and Antonio Dominici. The Chiostro di Sant’Agostino complex includes a 16th-century cloister and an adjoining monastery. It is also home to the Museo delle tradizioni, recognised as being of regional interest, and the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea.

The Museo Storico-Scientifico e Tecnologico “Michelangelo” brings together science, technology, history and natural history. Its collections include objects related to natural history, science and technology, organised into the fields of mineralogy, pure sciences and topography. The museum traces the history of science and technology from the mid-19th century to the 1990s. The Teatro di Corte also has a historical date: the theatre season opened at the new theatre on 22 January 1769.

San Leucio and nature

The silk factory in the San Leucio complex was inaugurated in 1778. The Belvedere di San Leucio comprises three areas open to visitors. The visitor route spans two floors and passes nine handlooms. As exhibition displays may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Bosco di San Silvestro offers a different perspective: it is a Site of Community Importance recognised by the European Union and has been part of the Natura 2000 network since 1995. This means that, alongside the residence, architecture and collections, Caserta also offers a designated nature area to consider when planning your trip.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Caserta railway station is directly opposite the Reggia di Caserta. The Reggia Express is a historic train service on the Naples–Caserta route; check its departure times before travelling. When choosing a hotel in Caserta, you can decide whether to focus your plans on the Reggia and park, medieval Casertavecchia, the museums or San Leucio.

Discover more destinations: Teano, Carinola, Sant'Angelo d'Alife, Capua, Casagiove, Gricignano di Aversa, Falciano Del Massico, Arienzo.

Go to the main travel overview: Caserta.