This stunning architectural complex at Caserta – which includes the Royal Palace, its magnificent gardens, the San Leucio complex, and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli –  is a true wonder. The large palace, often compared to luxurious buildings like Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

The construction of the palace started in 1752, on the orders of Charles VII of Bourbon, king of Naples. His aim was to give to his kingdom a court able to compete in beauty with those of France (Versailles) and Madrid. The King was immediately taken with the royal palace’s architectural plans prepared by Luigi Vanvitelli. However, Carlo VII was to become king of Spain in 1759 and never lived at the complex.