Caserta

Caserta, a province of Campania region, is located at the foot of the Campanian Subappenines (Terra del Lavoro). The economy is mainly based on tourism, agriculture, commerce and industry. The town's origins are uncertain. However, it is known that the principality of Capua, during the Middle Ages, comprised the Casairta area. But it was the Bourbon family that left a deep imprint of the foreign rule here in Caserta, with the building of the famous "Reggia", a sumptuous royal palace, one of the more impressive buildings in Europe. The vast palace was begun in 1750 from the plans of architect Luigi Vanvitelli and was inspired by the palace of Versailles. The palace consists of five stories all arranged around four monumental courtyards forming one of the main green areas of Campania region. Inside the Royal Palace, don't miss the sumptuous octagonal hall covered with polychrome marbles, the stairway and the adjacent statue of Hercules, the impressive rectangular chapel and the magnificent English garden. Caserta offers a wide selection of accommodation facilities such as hotels, guest-houses and restaurants. Other important architectural attractions are: the Chiesa di San Francesco da Paola, where Luigi Vanvitelli was buried, the Castle and the Duomo (Cathedral) in Casertavecchia and the magnificent Bourbon Seteria (silk factory) and the Real Belvedere of San Leucio. Finally, among the most important cultural events there are the Sagra delle Zeppole in January, the funny Carnival in the various theatres of the city and the traditional Sagra delle Chiacchiere in August.