CASERTA VECCHIA

This settlement, called  “Casa Hirta” was founded on a pre-existing roman community. The first historical evidence of the town dates back to  861 A.D. in the chronicles of Monk Erchemperto. The town initially belonged to the Longobard Principality of Capua, then in 879 it was ceded to Pandulfo, Count of Capua. In the 9th century many people moved to Casa Hirta to escape the saracen raids which were devastating the low-ground. In 1602 the town was occupied by Richard I of Aversa, who gave the town its Norman name. The town then passed under the control of the Svevi with  Roberto Di Lauro e dei Sanseverino, counsellor to Federico II of Svevia. The Sanseverino family held the town of Casertavecchia until the arrival of the Angioini. During the time of Argonese control of the area, the town’s importance began to wane and people moved to the low-lands which were by now considered safe. The royal palace at Caserta was built under Bourbon rule in 1752 by Carlo III al Vanvitelli, most of the inhabitants left the old town and settled in the new town of Caserta. The tour includes a  visit of the medieval streets which were set out in the 9th century. We can still see the original buildings and architecture. Throughout the visit we will stop at the most important buildings: The Castle, with its magnificent  Falcon Tower, La chiesa dell’Annunziata, which houses original 14th century frescoes, il Duomo, which has a wealth of works of art and innumerable historic references.

THE ROYAL PALACE OF  CASERTA

In 1750 Charles of Bourbon (1716-1788) ordered the construction of the Palace as a centerpiece of the Kingdom of Naples, which was now free of all Spanish influence. This site was chosen for the new center of administration of the Kingdom, the plain called  Terra di Lavoro, which was dominated by a 16th century building Acquaviva. The plans for this impressive building, which was intended to rival the Palace of Versailles together with other European royal residences were eventually awarded to  Luigi Vanvitelli (1700-1773), the son of the important landscape painter, Gaspar Van Wittel. The first stone was laid on 20 January 1752 and building continued till 1759. After the departure of Charles III, work slowed down. When Luigi Vanvitelli died in 1773, his son, Charles took over the project together with a group of architects. Work  on this magnificent royal palace was finally completed in the next century. The Palace has a rectangular floor plan, articulated facades and four internal court yards. It covers an area of 47,000 square meters and is 5 floors high ( 36 meters). An imposing portico provides the perfect access point to the surrounding park with a waterfall in perspective.