Boungiorno! Today we are taking the early express train to the city of
Caserta to visit the Grand Palace of Caserta. It was commissioned by
Charles III of Spain from the Bourbon family and intended to rival the Versailles. My parents are really excited about this tour as it will be their first time visiting. I'm hoping it has a swimming pool with endless amounts of Gelato available.
First stop is the delicious breakfast buffet which offered endless amounts of goodies to kick start my sightseeing energy.
The express train ride from Rome to Caserta is an hour. The route takes you through the beautiful countryside.
Here we are at the Royal Palace Caserta. Hard to believe this was someone's house. According to my parents, the facade was meant to emulate Versailles.
This is Charles Bourbon who commissioned the Palace. However, he never slept a night there because he abdicated the throne as King of Naples to become King Charles III of Spain.
The grand staircase is referred to as the Staircase of Honor.
The Staircase of Honor...116 steps!
The Palatine chapel was inaugurated in 1784. Charles Bourbon wanted the chapel to resemble the one at the Versailles. His aspirations were fulfilled by architect
Luigi Vanvitelli.
Hall of the Halberdiers. Construction of the palace slowed after Charles adbidcated and became King of Spain 1759.
His son ascended to the throne but a famine in 1769 caused widespread economic hardship and construction slowed.
In 1773 Vanvetilli died and his son completed the original construction in 1780. However, additions and improvements to the palace continued through subsequent rulers. These Nineteeth Century Chandeliers are evidence of construction that spanned decades. In 1921, the last ruling family, the Savoy's, turned the palace over to the Italian State.
The Hall of Mars
The inlaid yellow marble is from Sienna.
This is the "Throne Room" where the King and Queen received members of the court and visiting dignitaries.
This is the bed room of Joadchim Murat. He was appointed King of Naples by his brother in law Napoleon Bonaparte. The Bourbon family was temporarily evicted by Joachim Murat during his brief reign as King.
Another view of Joachim Murat's Bedroom
Ante chamber of Joachim Murat. This is a name for another private room for the King aside from his bedroom.
Ferdinando II Bedroom. This is not his actual bed since his furnishings were burned to avoid contagion from the disease that killed him.
Council Room
Look Daddy! This chandelier almost looks like the one you found for our cabin but only much bigger and prettier.
I don't understand why Daddy is threatening me with a time out right now......I was just pointing out the difference in our chandelier and the one here in the palace.
Spring Hall
Fall Room also referred to as the Dining Hall
Winter Hall...Daddy loved the all the rooms with this shade of the green fabric on the walls.
Queen Maria Carolina's Boudoir. The ornamentation in this room is stunning.
Reception Hall
The palatine Library. This library was started in 1768 and contained 14,000. When the Bourbon's were temporarily evicted by Joachim Murat, the collection was moved to Palermo for safekeeping.
This was the last room we visited before taking a much needed snack break in the cafe downstairs before heading out to see the gardens. Please stayed tuned for pictures of the beautiful landscape.
