Royal Palace of Caserta, the Italian Versailles
The Royal Palace of Caserta is about 55 km / 50โ55 minutes by car from Maricelle Rooms via the A30/A1, or about 2 hours by train with one change at Napoli Centrale. A UNESCO site since 1997, it is the monumental royal palace the Bourbons built to rival Versailles, with its royal apartments and a park over 3 kilometres long.
It is the perfect day out for a change from the sea: from the station a few steps from the B&B you take the train towards Naples, where a second regional train carries on to Caserta. Those travelling by car reach it in under an hour. Either way, we suggest our guests set aside the whole day, because between the palace and the park there is a lot of walking.
The palace and the royal park
Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace has about 1,200 rooms and opens with the monumental Scalone d'Onore, the grand staircase rising to the Royal Apartments. Behind the palace stretches the royal park of more than 120 hectares: the Via d'Acqua, an axis of basins and fountains running over 3 kilometres to the Grand Cascade, and the romantic English Garden. No wonder it was chosen as a set for Star Wars, Mission: Impossible III and Angels & Demons.
Getting there
By train (change at Naples)
There is no direct train: from Castellammare di Stabia station you reach Napoli Centrale by a Trenitalia regional service, then take another regional train to Caserta โ about 2 hours in all with one change. Caserta station is right opposite the palace entrance. See also how to reach Maricelle Rooms.
By car
By car it is about 55 km / 50โ55 minutes via the A30 and A1, north of Naples. It is the most direct and flexible option, handy if you want an early start and a relaxed visit to both palace and park in the same day.
Directions to the Royal Palace of Caserta
The map shows the route from the Maricelle Rooms area to the Royal Palace of Caserta. By car you follow the A30 and A1 north; by train you change at Napoli Centrale and get off at Caserta, opposite the entrance.
Useful information
- Distance from Maricelle Rooms: ~55 km / 50โ55 minutes by car via the A30/A1, or ~2 hours by train with a change at Napoli Centrale.
- A UNESCO site since 1997. The palace is closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December; opening hours vary by season.
- The park is large (over 3 km): allow half a day, comfortable shoes and water in summer.
- Opening times and tickets on the official site reggiadicaserta.cultura.gov.it
- Naples
Tip: The palace is closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December, and the park is very large (over 3 km): allow half a day and comfortable shoes. Opening times and tickets are on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Royal Palace of Caserta from Castellammare di Stabia?
By train: a Trenitalia regional service to Napoli Centrale, then another regional train to Caserta โ about 2 hours in all with one change; Caserta station is opposite the entrance. By car it is about 55 km / 50โ55 minutes via the A30 and A1.
When is the Royal Palace of Caserta closed?
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December. Opening hours vary by season: always check the official site before you travel.