The Royal Palace of Caserta (Italian: Palazzo Reale di Caserta, also Reggia di Caserta) in Caserta, Italy, around 40 kilometers north of Naples, is one of the largest palaces in Europe. The baroque palace was built as the residence of the Bourbons for their rule over the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. Construction began in 1751 under Charles VII according to the plans of Luigi Vanvitelli and was largely completed under Charles' son Ferdinand.
The palace, which is regularly grouped around four inner courtyards, is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe with 1217 rooms. The façade is oriented towards the planned city, which was only completed in outline. The central axis offers a view of the 3 km long baroque garden, which merges into a mountain park.
The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1997.
Royal Palace of Caserta: perspective from the Fountain of Venus and Adonis © Carlo Pelagalli
