North of Naples, Caserta seems a million miles away. This largely rural district, interspersed with small villages and a few towns, offers contrast to the frenetic energy of nearby big cities. Beloved by Italy’s House of Bourbon, it has a surprisingly large collection of monumental architecture from the 1700s and 1800s. Go to a vineyard in the late evening, when the countryside has a golden glow and gives credence to Rome’s name for the area: the Campania Felix or Happy Country.
Start at the Reggia di Caserta, one of the world’s largest palaces, a sort of Italian Versailles. Stare at the sheer size and spend hours in the art collection that fills only a small portion of this massive building.
More Bourbon magnificence is displayed at the Complesso Monumentale Belvedere di San Leucio, which features a museum dedicated to the region’s famous silk production.
Accessible architecture adorns the charming medieval streets of Casertavecchia, whose cathedral is a magnificent example of Romanesque construction.
Tour the area’s Roman ruins, from Santa Maria Capua Vetere’s Anfiteatro Campano and accompanying Antica Capua Archaeological Museum, to Teano’s Roman Theater set in magnificent Roccamonfina Regional Park. Wander around beautiful Capua, built up by Frederick II. See the evidence of the many past residents at the Museo Campano.
Caserta’s proximity to Naples makes it easy to get in and out of the province. Drive to Caserta in 35 minutes from downtown Naples or take a train in 45 minutes. Train connections and bus services make it easy to get between Caserta’s main urban and tourism centers. Rent a car to get to some smaller villages, as well as the province’s famous nature trails. Naples Airport has ample flights within Europe and to elsewhere.
Many of Caserta’s most famous destinations are inland. After a long day of visiting palaces and hiking nature trails, relax on a fine sand beach too.