Writer: Helena Bergström
If you're travelling in the south of Italy, don't miss visiting the Castle of Caserta! This royal palace is one of the largest in the world - with 1200 rooms and five floors. What's more, there's an incredible castle park here, which is almost three kilometres long.
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Castle of Caserta in Naples
the Royal Palace of Caserta, or Reggia di Caserta as it is called in Italian, was built for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It was the largest palace and one of the largest buildings erected in Europe in the 18th century, and since 1997 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Castle of Caserta is located just north of Naples in southern Italy.
Castle of Caserta - the Versailles of Italy
Construction of the Castle of Caserta began in 1752 by Charles VII of Naples, who commissioned the architect Luigi Vanvitelli for the project. The plans were large-scale and Vanvitelli was inspired by The Palace of Versailles. Perhaps it's no wonder that today the castle is sometimes called the "Versailles of Italy"! However, the castle was not completed during Vanvitelli's lifetime, but was finished by his son Carlo in 1780.
The castle of Caserta - film shooting location
In modern times, the mighty castle has been used several times as a location for major films. In Star Wars: Episode I and Episode II the castle serves as Padmé Amidala's royal palace.
The castle is also featured in Mission Impossible III where it pretends to be Vatican City. The scene where Lamborghinin is blown up is not filmed in Vatican City, but in the square of the Castle of Caserta ...
Visiting the castle in Caserta
We thought it was well worth visiting the castle in Caserta. Of course, in addition to the entrance fee, we had to pay for an expensive car park (at least for the motorhome), but this is a visit we will remember forever.
The recommendation is to take your time and, if it's hot, prepare for a long walk in the sun! Alternatively, if you don't want to or can't walk that far, you can rent a bike or e-bike, or book a ticket on a shuttle bus.
Castle Park
We started by exploring the castle park, which was a fascinating experience. The park is almost three kilometres long, and it feels like the walk will never end, while at the same time you don't want to give up because it is so beautiful.
The park offers a long walk, which after a while is bordered by water with large fish, sculptures and fountains.
The environment is incredibly beautiful, and you always want to stop and take photos.
The Palace Park is a typical example of Baroque architecture and is inspired by the park of Versailles, but is often considered superior in beauty.
There is also a large English garden on the site, with lots of lovely trees and beautiful vegetation. We walked through a smaller part of it, but even here you can certainly spend a long time ...
Lunch break at the castle in Caserta
The castle in Caserta takes its toll and of course you get hungry. We usually try to budget, as we are travelling for a long time. Our first thought was to have a picnic in the castle garden, but unfortunately it is not allowed. Our second thought was to go to the motorhome, have lunch there and then go back, but that was not allowed either. Once we went in, we were not allowed to go out, if we wanted to go back in ...
We were simply "forced" to buy something to eat on the spot. We chose to share a small sandwich and buy a small soft drink each, which came to 200 kroner. Well, after this we were ready to look at the halls...!
Visiting the Castle of Caserta - the halls
As soon as you enter the castle in Caserta, you are greeted by grand entrances.
The castle has around 1,200 rooms, including two dozen banqueting halls, a large library, a chapel and a theatre.
We walked through room after room, mesmerised by the amazing wall decorations, the impressive ceiling paintings and the delicious chandeliers.
In fact, each room is a unique sight, but because there are so many rooms, it is difficult to take in all the impressions.
In the end Peter said: "I can't take any more beautiful ceilings" ... So haha, you've seen a lot! And some royal beds and other things!
In one of the rooms, models of amusement rides that used to be in the park are displayed. So, wow!
Last but not least, we checked out the castle theatre, which is incredibly beautiful. All in all, it was really fascinating to visit the Castle of Caserta!
Video from Caserta Castle and Pompeii
Here you can also see a film that Peter edited together, from the Castle of Caserta and Pompeii.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Another great attraction near Naples is of course Pompeii, where we can highly recommend a visit! In the area you can also visit the city of Naples as well as Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, as well as the islands of Ischia and Capri.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Castle of Caserta
Where is the Castle of Caserta located?
The Palace of Caserta, Reggia di Caserta, is located in the city of Caserta in the Campania region of southern Italy, about 35 kilometers north of Naples. It can be reached by both car and train.
What is the Royal Palace of Caserta?
The Reggia di Caserta is a huge royal palace built for the Bourbon royal family in the 18th century. The palace was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and is sometimes compared to Versailles in France.
Is the Castle of Caserta on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Yes. The Royal Palace of Caserta with its park, the Carolino Aqueduct and the San Leucio complex were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
What is there to see at the Castle of Caserta?
The visit includes, above all, the magnificent royal apartments with halls, art and historical environments. Don't miss the monumental staircase and the enormous castle park with fountains, sculptures and gardens.
How big is the park at the Reggia di Caserta?
The castle park stretches for about three kilometers from the palace and is a big part of the experience. It features long water basins, fountains, waterfalls, and both an Italian and an English garden.
How much time do you need at the Royal Palace of Caserta?
Allow at least half a day if you want to see both the palace and parts of the large park without stress. Anyone who is particularly interested in history, architecture and gardens can easily spend most of the day here.
Do you have to walk through the entire castle park?
No. The distances are large and there are usually different ways to get through the park without walking the entire way. The available transportation options are subject to change, so please check the latest information before your visit.
Do you need to book tickets for Reggia di Caserta in advance?
It may be wise to book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and popular holiday periods. Check the official website for current opening times, ticket options and prices before visiting.
Can you visit Caserta as a day trip from Naples?
Yes, Caserta is a great day trip from Naples. The train connection is smooth and the Caserta train station is very close to the Royal Palace.
When is the best time to visit the Castle of Caserta?
Spring and autumn are particularly nice times as the temperatures are usually more pleasant for exploring the large park. During the summer it can get very hot, so it may be nice to arrive early in the day.
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Sara i Barcelona says:
Scolded my Neapolitan husband a little now.
"How is it possible that you have never taken me to the castle in Caserta?" 😀
What a stunningly beautiful place, which I have never been to despite countless visits to the region... The husband had been there with his father / father-in-law iaf and could confirm that it was incredibly nice and something he remembers well 🙂
Thanks for letting me hang out with you anyway 😉
Hugs!
30 August 2025 - 10:16
Helena says:
Yes, but it can be like that sometimes, that you "forget" the sights in your own neighbourhood ... The castle is well worth a visit, incredibly powerful, impressive and beautiful!!!
30 August 2025 - 17:35
BP says:
WOW!!! What a majestic and beautiful place. Especially like the different sculptures. Can't remember seeing a similar "collection" before.
As for the numbers, I understand Peter. Imagine what a job to paint all those ceilings with different motifs. The painters must have suffered from chronic neck pain.
It is gratifying to see that neither Pompeii nor Caserta are rubbish tips. It seems that only Naples is...
30 August 2025 - 15:53
Helena says:
The castle is amazing really, and yes, it is kept very clean and tidy!
30 August 2025 - 17:37
bmlarsresebloggb says:
What an amazing place! The only thing I find strange is that we never heard of this place, world heritage listed as it is and I have travelled in those regions when we visited Pompeii but this place seems to have had a hidden existence. Anyway, it's now labelled with a flag on Google Maps so next time....
30 August 2025 - 16:50
Helena says:
We are also surprised that the castle is so unknown, considering that it is so incredibly large and beautiful, and also a UNESCO heritage site. We would have missed it too, if we had not received a tip on Instagram 😉
30 August 2025 - 17:38
Lena - gott för själen says:
We have never heard of this castle even though it is one of the largest in the world and also UNESCO-listed. Absolutely incredible place. How big can a castle really be? It also looks very well maintained. It probably requires a number of visits to be able to absorb everything.
Hug Lena
08 November 2025 - 9:21