Appianline -

It is the main city of Terra di Lavoro, 20 km far from Naples. It developed itself around the royal palace and gardens built in the middle of the eighteenth century, in the plains below the ancient Medieval Town of Casertavecchia (the old town) which is located on a nearby hilltop. Since XIX century, Caserta has been a pleasant residential area and an important military site. The outstanding architectural and artistic masterpieces, romanesque in the ancient town and vanvitellian in the king's town, are a clear example of the artistic value of the city. Very famous the production of precious silk in which the ancient town of S.Leucio is the most important.

In a single day, it is possible to experience two diffent historical periods very different from each other; the Caserta of the Bourbon kings and the medieval Caserta of feudal vassals and lords built around the year 1000 A.D. A visit to the Bourbon palace of the Reggia di Caserta is a must and in particular to its extensive hunting grounds, formal gardens, fountains and waterfalls. The medieval town of Caserta Vecchia offers a different kind of charm on a more human scale including its ninth century castle and twelfth century cathedral.
Nearby, at Santa Maria Vetere is one of the best preserved temples of the Roman god Mitra.

Caserta to see:

Vanvitelli Place

In 1750 king Carlo di Borbone conferred upon Luigi Vanvitelli the task of constructing a great Royal Palace in Caserta, making it as the center of a renewal.

Royal Palace (Throne-Hall): It's one of the greatest buildings, built on the model of the Versailles Royal Palace. In 1995 it's been the most visited monument in Italy; Royal Palace (park) The Royal Palace Park is the most beautiful park of the XIIX century. It's 1.200.000 square meters and it's 3 kms long with a great system of fountains and cascades. Casertavecchia is the original area of Caserta. The old Cathedral and the ruins of the Castle are very important monuments.