"Italy's Versailles" shows off extensive renovaton

The former Royal Palace of Caserta in the South of Italy recently showed off completed restoration work including the reopening of all the rooms of the royal apartments to the public. The former royal residence was built for the Bourbon family and is often referred to as the Versailles of Italy with its impressive façade and manicured gardens and fountains.
The structure was the brainchild of Charles VII of Naples and his architect Luigi Vanvitelli who began construction in 1752.
The Reggia di Caserta which has been described as the “swan song in the art of the baroque” has withstood a myriad of historical events not least the abdication of the man who inspired it Charles VII who abdicated to become King of Spain and World War II where the building was the backdrop of the signing of terms of the unconditional German surrender of forces in Italy in April 1945.
Today this home fit for a King is a museum which annually plays host to hundreds of thousands of tourists from Italy and around the world.
In a year that has seen Italy celebrate 150 years of Unity it seems fitting the Royal palace of Caserta a UNESCO World Heritage Site should also have something to celebrate.
That celebration is the completion of restoration work which has included the widening of the museum by opening up new spaces and exhibition sections, the reorganization of the collections and the reopening of all the rooms of the royal apartments.

The project called “Royal Majesty” is certainly a feast for the eye, and walking through the royal apartments themselves there is the feeling of being transported by in time soaking up the atmosphere in rooms with embellished ceilings, period furniture and gold leaf borders.

One can also marvel at the more than 120 paintings which include works dedicated to Bourbon Kings Charles and Ferdinand IV as well as acquisitions of contemporary art.

Mario Resca, Director General for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage at the Italian Ministry for Culture believes that this project will be a big draw for visitors.

“I see the beauty of this Reggia is something that everybody coming here would enjoy.”

This restoration initiative received no outside sponsorship something which Paola Rafaella David, Supervisor of Architectural and Landscape Heritage for the province of Caserta, sees it a real achievement.

But is their room for private funding in Italian cultural life? Mario Resca thinks so.

With a high speed now running which takes just over an hour from Rome’s termini Station to Caserta this renovated Reggia is hoping that it can really give Versailles a run for its money. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report here: