Caserta

Caserta is a city and comune in Campania, Italy, and the capital of the Province of Caserta. It lies about 30 kilometers north of Naples, in the fertile plain between the Apennines and the coast. The modern city grew around the Bourbon royal palace and park, created in the 18th century; the name Caserta is of uncertain origin, but the town has medieval roots, with Caserta Vecchia, the historic hilltop nucleus, remaining nearby.

The Royal Palace of Caserta, a landmark of the city, is one of the largest royal residences in Europe. Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, its construction began in the mid-18th century for the Bourbon monarchs of Naples. The palace features about 1,200 rooms and the grand staircase, along with ceremonial halls and a long marble gallery. It is set within a vast park of about 120 hectares that includes formal gardens, fountains and the Great Cascade. The ensemble is celebrated for its ambitious scale and Baroque architecture.

In 1997, the Royal Palace and Park of Caserta were inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Caserta's economy combines industry, agriculture and services. The surrounding countryside, part of the Agro Casertano, is productive in cereals, fruit and dairy production. The city is served by Caserta railway station and is connected to Naples and other cities by road and rail, with access to the A1 motorway nearby. The population of the city is around 75,000 inhabitants.