The city of Caserta is the capital Caserta province of the southern Campania region. Sitting some 30 km north of Naples, this town is a commercial, agricultural as well as an industrial hub. It particularly excels in domains such as food processing and glass making. But that doesn’t really interest any of the passing travelers. They flock in town for a whole different reason; a reason that takes things to do in Caserta to a whole new level!
However, before we get to the core of Caserta’s tourist appeal, let’s learn a bit about the history of this southern Italian town. Caserta, unlike other historic towns, did not grow around its historic city center. In fact, the old town, Caserta Vecchia (founded by the Lombards in the 8th century) sits on the hills 5 km (3 miles) north-northeast outside the modern city!
Modern Caserta grew around the old defensive tower built by Pando, Prince of Capua, in Lombard times. Actually, Pando destroyed the original city of Caserta around 863. Today, the tower forms part of the Palazzo della Prefettura (former royal residence as well as the seat of the counts of Caserta). The original population moved from the old site of Casertavecchia to the current place during the 16th century.
At the time, the city and its surroundings belonged to the aristocratic Acquaviva family. However, under the pressure of huge debts, they had to sell all their land to the royal family. Charles VII, the Bourbon King of Naples and Sicily in the mid 18th century enjoyed erecting illustrious buildings to cement his legacy in and around Naples. He purchased Caserta specifically to build a new palace. He wanted a palace that was more defensible than his old one fronting the Bay of Naples as well as larger and more opulent; a palace that could rival the French Palace of Versailles.
And so, the biggest Caserta attractions grew into the immense size we see today. To be honest, it’s probably the one and only reason why most people visit Caserta at all. In case you are wondering, it’s totally worth it.
Still, the royal residence is just one of the things to do in Caserta, even if the rest is not as glamorous. Browse the web page for more ideas on what to do in Caserta.
