Caserta

Encyclopedia : C : CA : CAS : Caserta

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Caserta is a city in Italy, the capital of the province of Caserta (Campania region). It is an important agricultural, commercial and industrial comune and town that stands on the edges of the Campanian plain, at the foot of the first slopes of the Campanian Subapennines of Italy. The city is well known for the Palace of Caserta.

History

Today's Caserta was born aroung a defensive tower built in Lombard times by Pando, Prince of Capua, who destroyed the old city around 863. The tower is now included in the Palazzo della Prefettura, once seat of the counts of Caserta and, later, a Royal residence. The population moved in the current site in the 16th century from Casertavecchia, the former bishopric seat (which was also moved here later).

The city and the neighbourhood were property of the Acquaviva family, who, being pressed by huge debts, sold all the land to the royal family, who then selected it for the construction of their new, sumptuous residence.

Main sights

Caserta's main attraction is its Royal Palace (listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site), created in the 18th century by the Dutch architect Luigi Vanvitelli as Versailles-like residence ("Reggia") for the Bourbon kings of Naples and Sicily.

Other points of interest include:

• the church of San Sebastiano.
• the Palazzo Vecchio ("Old Palace"), a construction of the 14th century renovated by Luigi Vanvitelli as provisional residence for the royal court.
• the Cathedral (18th century).

Fractions

• Casertavecchia is the ancient centre of the commune and former bishopric seat.
• San Leucio, seat of famous Royal silk workshops, also included in the World Heritage List.
• Vaccheria, which housed of the Royal cattle stables
• Falciano is a former bishop seat, and includes a 16th century palace.
• Piedimonte di Casolla has an ancient Benedictine abbey, built over a Roman temple dedicated to Diana.

Other fractions of Caserta are: Aldifreda, Briano, Casola, Casolla, Centurano, Ercole, Garzano, Mezzano, Pozzovetere, Puccianiello, Sala di Caserta, San Benedetto, San Clemente, Santa Barbara, Staturano, Tredici, Tuoro.

External links

• [Photographs of the Reggia of Caserta]
• [Photographs of Casertavecchia]

 

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