The Royal Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence in Caserta, southern Italy, constructed by the House of Bourbon – Two Sicilies as their main residence as kings of Naples. It is the largest palace erected in Europe during the 18th Century. In 1997, the palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
(Ref: tour guide information): Thank you to Gianni Tramparulo, our Tour Guide:
https://www.facebook.com/tourguide.giannitramparuloTour Guide s Facebook Page
..This was a huge and very intricately designed. Amazing architecture and art throughout. Quite a site to spend the day at…
-Quantum Minister-
“Combining the influences of Versailles, Rome, and Tuscany, the Caserta Royal Palace and Park, north of Naples, was designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century. Caserta is considered a triumph of Italian Baroque, and ahead of its time. Expanding across 11 acres, the garden’s pools, fountains and cascades are aligned through a ‘telescope effect’, extending as far as the eye can see.”
“One of the last great European gardens, Caserta Royal Palace and Park borrowed from creations such as Versailles and the 16th century villas in Rome and Tuscany. But unlike those sites, this Italian masterpiece combined manicured gardens and natural woodland, with hunting lodges and a silk factory. It took the successes of previous designs and created a world of its own. For instance, the English Garden, set within the complex, is one of the greatest, oldest, and most important picturesque spaces created in Europe.”
“This respect for, and “improvement upon,” nature became the Caserta Palace’s calling card, and its seminal influence is undeniable. It was, for example, the first Italian landscape garden. But, the grounds also drew from the trends spreading across Europe at the time—namely providing leisure to the royals and accommodating botanical research. Hundreds of rare and precious plants from around the world were brought to Caserta, and still grow there today.
Importantly, the design was also singular because it shows the change in approach in the relationship between royals and the rest of the community. A silk factory and associated workers’ homes were included in the layout and the natural forests were incorporated. It is an eloquent expression of the Enlightenment in material form, integrated into, rather than imposed upon, its natural setting.
Discover the gardens of Caserta and follow the network of fountains and basins that stretch out from the palace to a waterfall in the forest. Past the castle-like playhouse and the pond that hosts mock sea battles, the English Garden—one of the estate’s highlights—has a lake and decorations that mimic ancient ruins. You can explore this vast and beautiful space by bike or horse and cart to explore as much as possible. The grounds are so impressive that they have been the set for major films such as Star Wars and Mission Impossible.”
Video Overview: World Hertiage Journeys YouTube video.
..After the Royal Palace, we went to the amphitheater nearby (info below):
“The second largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, after the Colosseum in Rome. Located in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, it was built during the reign of Augustus, first Roman Emperor (63 BC – 14 AD). Many of the stadium’s concourses are still intact. Ancient workmanship is still visible in the fluted pillars, engraved cornices and statuary. The guts of the Capua Amphitheater were below ground, where combatants were held before entry into the arena and animals were restrained before being raised via elevator into the fight above. There is also an on-site Gladiator Museum. The most famous gladiator, Spartacus, was trained here!”
(Ref: tour guide)
..Italy has some amazing sites and history. As in most places, a violent background of tribal warfare and colonization stems through the core of the culture. On the grounds of bloodshed structures are built, by enslavement and labor of the labor class. Idolatry, grandeur, and art, science and politics all blend in this land of rich culture and history. Nonetheless, the standing structures of prior civilizations that remain do reflect an awe and wonder of times past and beyond.
Dr. Anthony J. TOLEDO
Quantum Minister
Quantum Trinity Ministry
Spiritual Alchemy Foundation of Enlightenment Inc.
🙏❤️✝️ GOD Bless ✝️❤️🙏
Your a blessed man! Awesome.
Thank you Raul. I am truly blessed. God bless you and your family 🙏