The city of Caserta embodies a truly precious historical, artistic, and architectural heritage: from the Reggia to the Acquedotto Carolino, the San Leucio Belvedere, and the charming Borgo di Casertavecchia.

Find new ideas for your next trip and plan a weekend trip with Italo to Caserta, the city of the Royal Palace, and discover with our guide how to visit it in one day. In Caserta, besides the Reggia, you can marvel at many wonders, including buildings and works considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the San Leucio Belvedere Palace and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli. Are you ready to learn about Caserta’s rich history, admire its monuments and churches, spend an evening among the nightlife, and enjoy its gastronomic delights?

Here are the best things to do in Caserta:

Where is Caserta in Italy?

Caserta is located in the southern part of Italy, within the Campania region. It’s situated north of Naples and is known for its magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is relatively close to the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and plays a significant role in the cultural and historical landscape of the region.

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How Far Is Caserta From Rome and How To Get There?

Caserta is approximately 140 miles (about 225 kilometers) southeast of Rome. There are several ways to travel between Rome and Caserta:

  • Train: The most convenient and fastest way to travel from Rome to Caserta is by train. High-speed trains (such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Intercity) connect Rome Termini station with Caserta, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
  • Car: Driving from Rome to Caserta via the A1 motorway is another option. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Bus: There are also bus services that connect Rome with Caserta. However, buses might take longer than trains, with travel times depending on the route and stops along the way.

The train is generally recommended for its balance of speed, convenience, and comfort.

How far is Caserta from Naples and How To Get There?

Caserta is approximately 22 miles (about 35 kilometers) north of Naples, Italy. The travel time between the two cities can vary depending on the mode of transportation:

  • By Train: The train journey from Naples to Caserta can take around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of train service used (such as regional trains or faster services).
  • By Car: Driving from Naples to Caserta typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, via the A1 motorway.

 How To Get from Caserta to Amalfi Coast?

Traveling from Caserta to the Amalfi Coast involves a bit of planning since there’s no direct train or bus route connecting Caserta directly to the coastal towns like Amalfi or Positano. However, the journey can be quite straightforward with a transfer or two. Here are the main options:

  • Train from Caserta to Salerno: First, take a train from Caserta to Salerno. This journey typically takes about 1 hour, depending on the type of service (Regional, Intercity, or High-speed).
  • Bus or Ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast: Once in Salerno, you can catch a bus to various towns along the Amalfi Coast, such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. The bus ride to Amalfi can take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, especially in the tourist season, you can take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi or Positano, offering scenic views along the coast. Ferry times vary, but the trip to Amalfi usually takes around 35 minutes.
  • Driving from Caserta directly to the Amalfi Coast is another option, offering more flexibility. The drive to Amalfi, for example, is approximately 2 to 3 hours, covering a distance of about 60 miles (97 kilometers), depending on the specific destination on the coast and traffic conditions. The route typically involves taking the A30 and A3 highways, followed by coastal roads that offer stunning views.

What to See in Caserta Italy

1. Reggia di Caserta (the Caserta Royal Palace)

Reggia di Caserta

Caserta is world-famous because it is home to the beautiful Royal Palace, and as your first mandatory destination, we recommend a visit to the splendid Royal Mansion, which is located at the entrance to the city center and is directly connected to the train station. The Royal Palace of Caserta is a complex built by the House of Bourbon to compete with the lavish Palace of Versailles.

Reggia di Caserta dall'interno

Start your visit early in the morning, and set out to admire the various rooms and the majesty of the grand staircase with Carrara marble lions, the libraries, the royal rooms with Louis XVI-style furniture, and paintings of historical and artistic interest.

Giardini della Reggia di Caserta

Once you have finished the tour of the interior, go outside the building to the Royal Park: in a few minutes, you will first reach the Castelluccia, a place that served as a recreation for kings and their guests, and then the Great Fishpond, with its swans and central islet. After this essential visit, keep walking, rejoin the main avenue, and head for the Fontana Di Eolo, which marks the entrance to the most scenic part of the park. Don’t miss a visit to the English Garden, the Bath of Venus and the Cryptoporticus.

The Royal Palace of Caserta is open every day from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm and is closed on Tuesdays.

The cost of the full ticket for the apartments, the park and the whole garden is €18; reduced admission for eligible categories is €6 and admission is free for under-18s. For the apartments only, the full ticket costs €14; reduced admission for eligible categories is €4.50 and admission is free for under-18s. The “reggia two days” ticket can only be purchased in the afternoon and the cost of the full ticket is €15 and €3 for the apartments only. The “reggia day” ticket can only be purchased in the afternoon; the cost of the full ticket is €8, the reduced ticket for eligible categories costs €4 and admission is free for under-18s.

Does anyone live in the royal palace of Caserta?

 It was originally built as a royal residence for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century and is one of the largest palaces built in Europe during that time. Today, it functions as a museum and a tourist attraction, showcasing its magnificent architecture, art, and the vast park and gardens that surround it. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional significance in the history of architecture and landscape design. The palace occasionally hosts exhibitions and cultural events, but no one lives there.

2. The Belvedere San Leucio Monumental Complex

Complesso Monumentale Belvedere San Leucio

After the first stop at the Royal Palace, we recommend you head for the Belvedere San Leucio; it’s located about six km away, and you can reach it by bus in just over 15 minutes. San Leucio is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site ; it’s a monumental complex built in the nineteenth century at the behest of Charles of Bourbon, King of Naples. It was used as a place of leisure and entertainment, as well a base for the King’s hunting trips. In the mid-18th century, this Bourbon Royal Residence housed a silk factory. Not to be missed, the beautiful view from the balcony in front of the Palace with a view that extends from Caserta to Mount Vesuvius. On clear days, you can also see the islands of Ischia and Capri. Sites highly worth visiting: the beautiful Italian garden, the royal apartments and the weaver’s house.

Here, you can also buy beautiful handmade silks. The Royal Seteria of San Leucio still houses the machinery of the time when silkworms were bred and precious silks were woven.

The Palazzo Belvedere San Leucio is open in winter every day from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and closes on Tuesdays. In summer, it is open every day from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. The cost of the full ticket is €6, reduced admission for eligible categories is €3.

3. The Aqueduct of Vanvitelli or Caroline Aqueduct

Acquedotto Carolino Vanvitelliano

As a third stop, we recommend you take a regional train from Caserta station and in just 11 minutes you reach the splendid Caroline Aqueduct of Vanvitelli built by Charles of Bourbon to ensure an abundant water supply to the Palace of Caserta for the internal needs and to feed all the fountains and water features.

The majestic monumental tuff structure has three orders of arches and rises to 60 meters; lengthwise, it stretches over 500 meters. The entire aqueduct runs for a length of 38 km, with some canal bridges such as the Charles III Bridge in Moiano, which crosses the Isclero River, and the Valley Bridge in Durazzano.

The Caroline Aqueduct is a magnificent work of hydraulic engineering and is still considered one of the most significant structures built by the House of Bourbon. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today it is beautifully preserved, and you can always admire it from the valley floor without any charge.

4. Caserta’s old town: The original Medieval Settlement and Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo

Casertavecchia

As a fourth destination, we recommend you visit the fortified medieval village of Casertavecchia, which is about ten kilometers from the city. You can reach it with buses that depart every hour from the train station. Visit the village’s outdoor terraces that offer a beautiful overview of the city, with views of the Vanvitellian Palace, Mount Vesuvius and the islands of the Bay of Naples. In this magical place, you can take a lunch break thanks to the many restaurants that offer typical cuisine based on the excellent produce of the upper Caserta region. After lunch, head for the center and admire the beautiful Cathedral dating back to 1100.

Chiesa di San Michelangelo Arcangelo

Visit the magnificent Church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, the three naves in the Romanesque-Gothic style, and Bishop’s Square.

In short, Casertavecchia is a real journey into the past in an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. A truly unique experience amidst history and art, craft stores, the scents of nature, and culinary wonders that will delight you.

The Catherdral is always accessible free of charge.

5. The Planetarium

Planetario

A somewhat unusual but very inspiring destination we recommend is a visit to the beautiful Planetarium. From Caserta station, you can easily walk there in 15 minutes. Visit the small museum distributed in five rooms, book a guided tour and watch the many shows. This facility was designed to promote educational activities and bring children closer to the world of astronomy. During the performances, the narration is always live, and it is possible to ask questions and interact with the staff in charge.

The cost of the full ticket is €7; reduced admission for eligible categories is €5 and children under four years of age enter for free.

6. Hermitage of San Vitaliano

Eremo di San Vitaliano

The sixth destination is the splendid Hermitage of San Vitaliano; it’s only 20 minutes by bus from Caserta station. If you visit this Medieval Church built by St. Vitalian in the 8th century, you can admire the interior and the bell tower built in a simple yet elegant style that lends elegance to the structure. Here, you will be surprised by the natural surroundings and pervasive silence.

Visotrs can enter the Hermitageof San Vitaliano with no charge only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.

7. A walk in the San Silvestro Forest

Bosco di San Silvestro

For a walk immersed in nature, our seventh proposal is the Bosco di San Silvestro. A former royal hunting reserve, today it’s an environmental center and Italian WWF Oasis. This park hosts a number of facilities where you can enjoy the greenery and guided thematic tours, conferences, seminars, refresher courses, book presentations, exhibitions and concerts.

The San Silvestro forest is only accessible on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays – in winter from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm and in summer from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. The cost of the full ticket is €10; admission is free for children under six and WWF members.

What to eat in Caserta

Mozzarella

Your stay in Caserta will also be an amazing journey through the aromas and flavors of the local cuisine, which draws on ancient recipes and the influence of diverse Southern Italian peoples over the ages. The Caserta restaurants offer typical dishes of Caserta and Campania cuisine such as Pettolelle with beans Caserta, Frittelle with anchovies, Shrimp Vesuviana and the inevitable Pizza in the five pizzerias of Caserta not to be missed, but also gourmet dishes between modernity and tradition. You really have a lot of choice.

Caserta, however, is also the home of famous cheeses Mozzarella di Bufala DOP and Ricotta di Bufala Campana, which you absolutely must taste. Thanks to the climate, in Caserta you can also find excellent wines and buy excellent local olive oil.

  1. Pizza Napoletana: Caserta also offers authentic Neapolitan pizza 
  2. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana: enjoy it fresh, in a Caprese salad with tomatoes and basil
  3. Sfogliatella: pastry that comes in two main varieties: riccia (crispy and layered) and frolla (soft and shortcrust). It’s filled with ricotta, sugar, and citrus zest.
  4. Pasta e Fagioli con le Cozze: Campanian dish combining pasta and beans with mussels
  5. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Potato gnocchi served in a tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella and basil,
  6. Ragù Napoletano: A slow-cooked meat sauce served over pasta
  7. Casatiello: A savory bread traditionally eaten around Easter
  8. Pastiera Napoletana: traditionally Easter dessert.
  9. Seafood: grilled fish, seafood pasta, and risottos.
  10. Local Wines: Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Aglianico

Evening entertainment: nightlife spots and the best clubs

Aperitivo

In Caserta, don’t miss out on the nightlife offered by venues of every kind. After dinner, head to the most crowded area of the downtown streets where you’ll find thousands of young people from all over the province. Move from one place to another, sipping your favorite drink!

  • Stroll through the Historic Center: Caserta’s city center transforms at night, with its monuments lit up to create a magical atmosphere. A walk through the downtown streets is ideal for admiring the architectural beauty of the city under a new light.
  • Dinner at Local Restaurants: Caserta offers a wide choice of restaurants, pizzerias, and trattorias where you can taste the specialties of Campanian cuisine. From Neapolitan pizza to dishes made with buffalo mozzarella, there’s always something delicious to discover.
  • Visit the Royal Palace of Caserta in the Evening: On some special evenings, the Royal Palace of Caserta opens its doors for nighttime visits, a unique opportunity to admire the magnificence of this UNESCO site in a charming and less crowded setting.
  • Cultural Events and Performances: Caserta regularly hosts cultural events, concerts, theater performances, and outdoor cinema during the summer months. Checking the local events calendar can provide the opportunity to enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment.
  • Nightlife and Venues: For those looking for fun, Caserta offers various bars, pubs, and clubs where you can spend evenings enjoying music, dance, and meeting new people.
  • Walks in the Park of the Royal Palace: Even though the park of the Royal Palace closes at sunset, the adjacent areas are perfect for an evening walk, especially in summer, when the evening breeze makes the walk enjoyable.
  • Shopping Under the Stars: During the summer, some streets and squares host evening markets where you can buy handmade products, local design items, and souvenirs.

You should know that the municipality and associations in Caserta often organize events and that the nearby Aversa is also well-known for its lively nightlife.

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To Caserta with Italo

A Caserta con Italo

Italo takes you to Caserta with High Speed! Discover schedules and prices of all trains to Caserta. Before buying your ticket, remember to always access your reserved area to take advantage of the Plus Offers, rates for subscribers only. If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for the Italo Più Loyalty Program for free, get 5% off your first trip right away, and collect points with your trips to claim free award tickets.