The Reggia di Caserta is one of Italy’s many marvels and it has been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1997. Designed in the 18th century by Neapolitan architect Luigi Vanvitelli, it is by many considered the most splendid example of Italian Baroque architecture, a perfect mix of the grandiosity and opulence of France’s Versailles and Spain’s Escorial.

Indeed, Versailles was in the mind of Charles of Bourbon when, in 1734, he rose to the throne of the Kingdom of Naples, at the tender age of 18. King Charles wanted a majestic residence, one that could show the greatness and his realms, and be a sign of full independence from the ruling of Spain, which had dominated the South for the longest time.