Royal Palace of Caserta, Naples - 2024, Caserta’s royal palace pond. 📍Caserta, Italy.
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Royal Palace of Caserta

4.7
·54k reviews·Caserta, Italy

A monumental Baroque palace and its vast gardens, once home to Bourbon kings and a backdrop for Star Wars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene exploration.

CrowdLow
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Royal Palace of Caserta, Naples - 2024, Caserta’s royal palace pond. 📍Caserta, Italy.

Royal Palace of Caserta

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental Baroque palace and its vast gardens, once home to Bourbon kings and a backdrop for Star Wars.

4.7
(54k reviews)

"The Royal Palace of Caserta is an absolute must-see, a breathtaking testament to royal power and artistic vision."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the vast gardens! :athletic_shoe:

Allow Ample Time

Dedicate at least half a day to explore both the palace interiors and the expansive gardens. :clock:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Throne Room

The Throne Room

Experience royal grandeur with stunning frescoes and gold accents. Imagine the power of the Bourbon kings.

The English Garden

The English Garden

A vast, picturesque landscape with fountains, sculptures, and the serene Bath of Venus.

The Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase

An architectural marvel leading to the opulent apartments, showcasing the palace's immense scale.

The Court Theater

The Court Theater

A beautifully preserved 18th-century theater, offering a glimpse into royal entertainment.

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Planning Your Visit

Train to Caserta is Key

Skip the bus hassle! Trains from Naples Centrale are frequent, affordable (~€4), and drop you a 5-minute walk from the Royal Palace. Book tickets at Trenitalia and remember to validate them before boarding. Reddit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always mandatory, booking your Royal Palace of Caserta tickets online can save you time, especially during peak season. Check the official website for current pricing and availability. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for gardens.
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the palace.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Bath of Venus, The Royal Palace, Caserta. #palace #palaces #chateau #beautifulplaces #palazzo #baroque #schloss #garden #beautifulgarden #venus #neoclassical
@andyricci
490.1K likes • 2.4M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the vast gardens! :athletic_shoe:

Allow Ample Time

Dedicate at least half a day to explore both the palace interiors and the expansive gardens. :clock:

📍Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy. I got to visit the theed royal palace irl on the planet of naboo 🥹❤️ #starwars #naboo #italy #thephantommenace #padmeamidala
@cutesykuromi
94.4K likes • 829.1K views
This is the largest former royal residence in the WORLD! Due to its decadent design and gigantic gardens, many movies have been filmed here, most notable of all, 2 of the Star Wars movies and a Mission: Impossible also! Caserta Palace is an easy morning or day trip from Napoli / Naples via @trenitaliaregionale. Train tickets cost €4pp each way and were easily purchasable on the day at the ticket ...
two_travelling_teachers_
67 likes • 1K views

Validate Train Tickets

Don't forget to validate your Trenitalia tickets before boarding to avoid fines. :ticket:

Star Wars Filming Location

Spot iconic scenes from Star Wars filmed here! It's like visiting Naboo. :movie_camera:

The World’s largest Royal Palace 🏰 . Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta) is the largest former Royal Palace in the world if measured by volume. The apartments are majestic and the English Garden is absolutely beautiful. Bagno di Venere (Bath of Venus) is my favourite area of the garden, the small lake and ruins are so picturesque 😍 . I definitely recommend visiting this palace if you’re ar...
wildwindwanders
437 likes • 13.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the vast gardens! :athletic_shoe:

Allow Ample Time

Dedicate at least half a day to explore both the palace interiors and the expansive gardens. :clock:

Validate Train Tickets

Don't forget to validate your Trenitalia tickets before boarding to avoid fines. :ticket:

Star Wars Filming Location

Spot iconic scenes from Star Wars filmed here! It's like visiting Naboo. :movie_camera:

Pack Water & Snacks

Especially for exploring the gardens, bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(54k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and opulent beauty of the Royal Palace of Caserta and its magnificent gardens. Many highlight the impressive interiors, particularly the Throne Room, and the picturesque park. Some note that the gardens are vast and require significant walking, and a few mention that certain areas might be undergoing restoration.

"Grandiose structure (mostly empty) but the royal chambers (Piano nobile) are quite extensive and richly decorated and elegantly furnished. I enjoyed a 90 minute very informative guided tour in Italian (unfortunately with an excessive amount of Bourbon-era nostalgia... and no critical comment on the social costs of such bombastic projects and the sociopolitical effects of spatial distancing of royalty from the common folk in a guilded playground).

I found this Reggia more elegant and pretty than the Quirinal and some other palaces in Italy (laden with austere or disproportionate displays of Baroque or mismatched styles or unfinished or unrestored works). Many similar palaces in Germany and Austria are however more elegant and aesthetically pleasing (they have also been restored to a supreme level of splendor and decadence by exceedingly generous government allocations in recent years).

What recent administrations have done to restore the Reggia after decades of neglect is surely remarkable. The mixture of contemporary art with the original museum exhibits (after COVID) is not always very convincing: some combinations work fine but in other cases there is no real dialogue between works of art (the contemporary pieces - of differing quality and from a single collection linked to a recent natural disaster - seem put there very jarringly simply to respect the conditions of the donation, i.e. that they reach the widest public possible, and little concern for the dignity and harmony of the rooms' decor). Some works would work better in the empty exhibition spaces of the palace (even with baroque and neoclassical works included for comparison). But then you if you expand the exhibition spaces, you need to keep visitors there the whole day to visit the royal chambers and the rest of the museum. So you would need to attract families with children (with some technology exhibits, children's areas, etc.) and full day visitors (with a food court, performances in the gardens, picknic areas, horse riding...). I hope the site continues to develop into a mature and diversified tourist venue."

René Micallef

"The Royal Palace of Caserta is truly breathtaking.
Built in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, it was meant to rival Versailles and you can really feel it.
The rooms are grand and elegant, the monumental staircase is stunning, and the huge gardens with fountains and long water basins are spectacular.
The history behind it, from its royal origins to its UNESCO recognition, makes the visit even more meaningful.
Absolutely worth seeing if you’re in Campania!!!"

Patrizia Iginia Palazzini

"A magnificent place that truly impresses with its scale and beauty! 🏛️
The palace resembles Versailles but with its own Italian charm — vast halls, marble staircases, frescoed ceilings, and beautifully preserved 18th-century furnishings.
The park is especially breathtaking — an endless alley with fountains, cascades, and statues stretching for several kilometers. It’s best to allow at least 3–4 hours for a walk, and if you plan to reach the Grand Waterfall on foot, reserve the whole day. You can rent an electric cart or a bike, and if you’re visiting with a group, it’s convenient to take a small shuttle bus — just €5 per person.
🎟️ It’s best to buy tickets online to avoid queues.
☕ At the very end of the park, near the waterfall, there’s a cozy café where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and relax after the walk.
📷 It’s also one of the most picturesque places in Campania for photography.
Overall — an absolute must-visit if you’re in Naples or nearby. Historical grandeur, natural beauty, and a true sense of the past — all in one place.
⭐ Rating: 5/5"

Ирина

What People Like

Immense scale and grandeur
Opulent interiors
Beautiful gardens and fountains

What People Dislike

Vast gardens require lots of walking
Occasional restoration work

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way is by train from Naples Centrale station. Trains run frequently and take about 40-50 minutes, costing around €4. The palace is a short walk from the Caserta train station. Reddit Buses are an option but can take significantly longer. Reddit

Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging. Public transport, especially the train, is generally recommended for ease of access and avoiding traffic. Reddit

The Royal Palace of Caserta is approximately 30-40 kilometers north of Naples. The train journey is about 45 minutes. Reddit

Yes, Casertavecchia, a charming medieval village, is a short drive up the mountain from Caserta and can be combined with a visit to the palace. Reddit

Trains from Naples Centrale are the best public transport option, offering a quick and direct route to Caserta station, which is very close to the palace. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid potential sell-outs and save time. Check the official website for booking options. Reddit

Ticket prices vary depending on access to the palace, gardens, and other areas. It's best to check the official Royal Palace of Caserta website for the most up-to-date pricing for Caserta Palace tickets. Reddit

Tickets typically grant access to the Royal Apartments, the historic park, and the English Garden. Some special exhibitions might require separate tickets. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Royal Palace of Caserta website for the most current Caserta Palace hours before your visit. Reddit

Yes, often there are separate tickets or combined tickets that include access to the palace interiors and the expansive Caserta Palace gardens, including the English Garden. Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

To fully appreciate the palace interiors and the vast gardens, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Many visitors spend a full day. Reddit

Don't miss the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, the Royal Apartments, and the Court Theater. The sheer scale and opulence are breathtaking. TikTok+1

The gardens are immense and feature numerous fountains, sculptures, cascades, and the beautiful English Garden with the Bath of Venus. TikTokInstagram

Yes, children can enjoy the vast spaces, fountains, and the 'Star Wars' connection. Comfortable shoes are a must for little ones. TikTok

Guided tours are often available and can enhance your understanding of the palace's history and art. Check for availability upon arrival or book in advance. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, the fountains in the park, and the Bath of Venus in the English Garden offer stunning photographic opportunities. TikTok+1

Photography is generally allowed inside the palace, but check for any specific restrictions in certain rooms or for professional shoots. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical sites like the Royal Palace of Caserta to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful atmosphere. TikTok

Its immense scale, Baroque architecture, and grand gardens have made it a popular filming location, notably for Star Wars and Mission: Impossible. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Royal Palace of Caserta offers a grand adventure for families. Kids will be amazed by the sheer size of the palace and the numerous fountains in the park. The English Garden is a great place for them to explore and imagine themselves in a fairytale. Instagram The connection to Star Wars as the filming location for Naboo is a huge draw for young fans, turning the visit into a quest to find familiar scenes. TikTok+1

Practical tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking, especially in the gardens. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options within the park can be limited. Consider renting a golf cart or bike to cover more ground in the vast park if your children get tired easily. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting the Royal Palace of Caserta can be budget-friendly, especially when traveling from Naples. The train fare is very affordable at around €4 each way, and it's the most economical way to reach the palace. Reddit While palace tickets have a cost, they offer incredible value for the sheer scale and historical significance of the site. Reddit Look for combined tickets that offer access to both the palace and the gardens to maximize your experience without additional costs. Instagram

To save on food, pack a picnic to enjoy in the palace gardens. This is a common practice and allows you to savor the surroundings without the expense of on-site cafes. Instagram Focus on exploring the main palace interiors and the most iconic parts of the park to get a comprehensive experience without needing to spend extra on optional tours or activities. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Royal Palace of Caserta is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of stunning visual opportunities. The Grand Staircase is an iconic spot, with its dramatic architecture and light play. TikTok Inside the palace, the Throne Room and other opulent apartments provide incredible detail for interior shots, capturing the essence of Baroque grandeur. TikTok

Outside, the Palace Gardens are a masterpiece. The long avenue with its series of fountains and cascades offers breathtaking perspectives. TikTok The English Garden, with its romantic ruins and the Bath of Venus, is particularly picturesque. Instagram For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon to capture the palace and gardens in warm, flattering hues. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Royal Residence of Grandeur

The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) is a monumental Baroque palace in Campania, Italy, built in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, it was intended to rival the grandeur of Versailles and the Royal Palace of Madrid. With over 1,200 rooms, 34 grand staircases, and an immense volume, it's considered the largest royal residence in the world by volume. TikTok The palace served as the primary residence for the Bourbon monarchy and was a symbol of their power and prestige. TikTok

Inside, visitors can explore opulent Royal Apartments, adorned with frescoes, intricate stucco work, and lavish furnishings. The Throne Room is particularly impressive, designed to showcase royal authority with its gilded decorations and painted ceilings. TikTok The Court Theater, a miniature replica of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, offers a glimpse into the entertainment of the era. TikTok The sheer scale and meticulous detail throughout the palace are a testament to the ambition of its creators and the wealth of the Bourbon dynasty. TikTok

Beyond the palace walls lies a vast Royal Park, stretching over 120 hectares. This magnificent park features a long avenue lined with fountains and sculptures, leading to a grand waterfall. The English Garden, created later, offers a more romantic and naturalistic landscape with exotic plants, grottos, and the picturesque Bath of Venus. TikTokInstagram The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its architectural and artistic significance. TikTok

From Royal Seat to Film Set

The Royal Palace of Caserta has transcended its royal origins to become a celebrated filming location. Its majestic architecture and sprawling grounds have provided the backdrop for numerous cinematic productions. Most famously, it served as the filming location for Naboo in George Lucas's Star Wars prequel trilogy, specifically 'The Phantom Menace' and 'Attack of the Clones'. TikTok+1 The palace's grand staircase and apartments were used to depict royal interiors, making it instantly recognizable to fans. TikTok

Beyond the galaxy far, far away, the palace has also featured in other major films. It was used as a filming location for Mission: Impossible III, adding a touch of Italian grandeur to the action-packed thriller. Instagram Its imposing facade and opulent interiors make it a versatile choice for directors seeking to evoke a sense of history, power, and luxury. Instagram The Palace of Caserta Italy's status as the largest former royal residence in the world by volume also contributes to its appeal for large-scale productions. Instagram

For visitors, recognizing these famous movie scenes while exploring the palace adds an extra layer of excitement. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jedi Knights and secret agents, experiencing the magic of cinema firsthand within a real-life historical masterpiece. TikTok

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