Introducing Caserta
The one compelling reason to stop at this otherwise nondescript town, 22km north of Naples, is to visit the colossal Palazzo Reale. Dubbed the Italian Versailles, the vast palace is one of the greatest – and last – achievements of Italian baroque architecture. It is also where Tom Cruise shot scenes for Mission Impossible III and where George Lucas filmed the interior shots of Queen Amidala’s royal residence in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones.
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Caserta was founded in the 8th century by the Lombards on the site of a Roman emplacement atop Monte Tifata, expanding onto the plains below from the 12th century onwards. The construction of the Bourbons’ grand palace assured the town an importance it would otherwise never have known.
Caserta’s tourist office (0823 32 11 37; Palazzo Reale; 8.30am-3.40pm Mon-Sat) is near the entrance to the palace gardens.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Please divulge your wisdom for a week Naples, Rome, Florence and Milan!!
by francesco10 27 August 2011
Hi everybody, I'm from Naples and live in Rome, and definitely in a quick trip like yours I'd recommend to skip the Milan stop. If you'll…
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Re: Where to stay between Rome and amalfi?
by francesco10 27 August 2011
visit caserta! The Royal Palace will surprise you! Edited by: francesco10
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RE: Where to stay between Rome and amalfi?
by a_brit_in_ischia 27 August 2011
There are direct trains to Caserta, otherwise it may involve going into Naples and out again, but the palace there - the Reggia - really…
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