Caserta the beauties of the city
From the imposing Royal Palace to the beauties of the old city, the Campania capital is a destination for all seasons and for many foreign tourists
Caserta is much more than just the Royal Palace. Despite being famous for the latter, it has its hidden treasure 10 km and 401 meters higher than the modern city: the Old City.
Caserta, a national monument since 1961, was built with the name Casam Irtam (from the Latin “village at the top”) in 800 BC and passed through the Lombard, Norman, Swabian and Aragonese domination.
Paved alleys, arches, the remains of a castle and breathtaking views over the valley are an attraction for tourists in any season. On this maze of cobblestones, where the footsteps of those who step on them echo, the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo dominates. It is decorated on top with the face of white marble, one on each side, by Benito Mussolini.
Caserta, a place of legends
In this haze-shrouded place, one speaks of one famous legend which attracts many curious and especially foreign tourists.
But what is it about? It is said that in the Norman period, the Cathedral was enlarged with materials taken from Roman monuments of other buildings. To carry the four columns to the top, the people of Caserta had to invoke the fairies who carried them on their heads, in balance, up to the top of the hill. And this is not the only legend.
The spirits of fortune rage in the artisan shops, portrayed on the shard with different expressions. They were to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who sell them and those who buy them.
La Reggia: film location
The Reggia is the largest royal palace in the world. With an adjoining park 3 km long and 120 hectares large. Inhabited by the Bourbons of Naples and for a short time also by the Murat. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with the nearby Vanvitelli aqueduct and the San Leucio complex.
It is no coincidence, in fact, that it is the fourteenth most visited Italian state museum site. And perhaps also one of the most cinematic. Director George Lucas shot several scenes from the first and second episodes of the Star Wars series here. And again: Mission Impossible 3, I hope that I will manage, Elisa di Rivombrosa, Angels and Demons and the Rai fictions Giovanni Paolo II and Luisa Sanfelice.
