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Italian Royal Palace of Caserta's restoration with EU assistance

May 16, 2023 / 11:33 AM
Sharjah24 - AFP: The Royal Palace of Caserta, a long-neglected architectural jewel near Naples, is being returned to its former glory through a vast restoration project, partly financed by the EU's recovery fund.

Nicknamed the "Italian Versailles", after the royal palace near Paris, the Italian UNESCO site boasts 1,200 rooms, 1,742 windows and 123 hectares (303 acres) of lush gardens.

It was built on the orders of the King of Naples Charles of Bourbon, with work beginning in 1752 under the direction of architect Luigi Vanvitelli.

But it fell into neglect after Italy's unification at the end of the 19th century, and was used only rarely after that, such as when it served as the Allied headquarters during the Second World War.

From restoring the facades to reviving the gardens and repairing the gates, remedying the ravages of time is proving a titanic task.

Efforts made so far were rewarded last week when the palace won a third star -- the highest accolade -- in the prestigious Michelin Green Guide to Southern Italy.

Philippe Orain, the Michelin Green Guides' director, told AFP the restoration so far was "remarkable".

The palace has also earned points for its collection of contemporary art, showcased in the royal apartments, as well as its decision to open to visitors in the evenings and at Christmas.

The third star lifts the palace and its gardens, complete with reflecting pools and gushing waterfall, to the level of the Pompeii archaeological site.

"It is a recognition that we hope will make us known throughout Europe and the world," said the palace's director Tiziana Maffei.
May 16, 2023 / 11:33 AM

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