Caserta e i suoi dintorni, bellezze inesplorate

Qualche giorno fa sono stato a Caserta a fotografare, sia in città che nei suoi dintorni. Di questi tempi, purtroppo, causa Covid, tutti i luoghi di arte e bellezza sono chiusi. Si possono solo ammirare e fotografare dall’esterno. Cosa che ho fatto ripromettendomi di fotografarli anche internamente appena possibile. Caserta è una delle 5 province della Campania e di sicuro una destinazione un pò dimenticata dal turismo di massa nonostante la sua storia e le sue tradizioni. Conosciuta in tempi antichi come Galatea, le sue origini sono Etrusche e già ci sono evidenze di una sua esistenza nel 9° secolo prima di Cristo. Fu occupata dai Sanniti prima e dai Romani poi. Le popolazioni latine le diedero i nomi di “Saticula” e, più tardi di “Casa Hirta” da cui il nome odierno. Una visita di Caserta non può prescindere dalla sua Reggia. Questo capolavoro artistico del 18emo secolo fu disegnato sulla falsariga dei progetti della Reggia a Versailles, dove Carlo III fu educato. La visita della Reggia prende tempo, per forza, ma ampiamente ripagato dalle bellezze che si scoprono passo dopo passo. Se possibile ancora più bello il suo Parco che occupa una superficie di 120 ettari ed è pieno di statue e fontane in ogni angolo.
Ma Caserta, conosciuta nel mondo intero per la sua Reggia, non è solo la Reggia. Il borgo medievale di Casertavecchia è un paesino arroccato sulla sommità del Monte Tifatini ed è lontano solo qualche chilometro dal centro della Caserta moderna. Camminando per le strade acciottolate, con l’eco dei passi che risuona nelle stradine silenziose e profumate di legna, sembra di essere ripiombati in un lontano passato rurale. In uno slargo si apre la imponente facciata della Cattedrale di San Michele Arcangelo, il complesso dell’Annunziata poco lontano e, sulla sommità della collina, il Castello, o meglio, i ruderi di quello che un tempo era il Castello, una vera fortezza da cui Svevi e Normanni dominavano la vista sulla valle sottostante.

Il Borgo di San Leucio, sulla collina omonima, prende il nome da una piccola chiesa longobarda posta sulla sua cima e dedicata a San Leucio, per l’appunto. Quando Carlo di Borbone acquista il feudo da Gaetani di Sermoneta, alla metà del XVIII secolo, la collina ospita già un elegante casino di caccia circondato da una fitta vegetazione di querce, lecci, castagni e vigneti. Casino edificato tra il 500 e il 600 per volontà del Signore di Caserta, Andrea Matteo Acquaviva. Il Belvedere, da cui si gode una splendida vista fino al mare, si articola in sale affrescate e ornate con marmi pregiati, porticati e logge. Accanto al Belvedere vero e proprio si costruiscono dei locali che formano il Reale Opificio della Seta. L’architetto Francesco Collecini ebbe l’incarico di ampliare gli edifici e fu così che l’antico casino divenne l’elemento centrale di una struttura a pianta rettangolare con cortile interno che ospitava la scuola, gli alloggi di insegnanti e direttori, le sale adibite a trattura, filatura e tintura della seta. La seteria ha prodotto, dalla sua fondazione, eleganti stoffe per abbigliamento e parati: raso, broccati, velluto e damasco rinomati in tutto il mondo per la raffinatezza della loro lavorazione.
Poco lontano da Caserta, nel paese di Santa Maria Capua Vetere, l’antica Capua, invece, c’è quello che forse è il capolavoro meno conosciuto di tutto il patrimonio artistico italiano. L’Anfiteatro Campano o Capuano è secondo solo al Colosseo per dimensioni e molto probabilmente più antico, considerando che ci sono evidenze che portano a credere che il Colosseo fu edificato prendendo proprio questo a modello. Era famoso per la scuola di gladiatori, i cui migliori andavano poi al Colosseo per mostrare ai Romani e all’Imperatore, la propria forza ed abilità. Da qui Spartaco cominciò la sua ribellione contro la schiavitù. 73 a.C. Capua. Nel ludus gladiatorius di Lentulo Batiato, duecento gladiatori si ribellarono tentando la fuga. In settanta riuscirono nell’impresa. Li guidavano alcuni combattenti di valore, rinomati nell’arena, Spartaco il Trace, Crisso il Gallo ed Enomao, probabilmente tutti e tre di origine celtica. Insieme diedero il via alla più grande e famosa rivolta servile che la Storia di Roma ricordi.
“Me ne andavo solo tra le rovine dell’anfiteatro campano, dove rimanevo molte ore, pensando all’antica grandezza di Capua, ad Annibale, a tutta la storia di Livio…” Luigi Settembrini, 1830

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Aqueduct of Vanvitelli or Caroline Aqueduct is an aqueduct built to supply the Reggia di Caserta and the San Leucio complex, supplied by water arising at the foot of Taburno, from the springs of the Fizzo, in the territory of Bucciano, which it carries along a winding 38 km route (mostly underground). Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli (after whom it derives its two names), its construction began in March 1753 and concluded with its opening on 7 May 1762. Of particular architectural value is the perfectly preserved 529-metre-long section in tufa bridging the Valle di Maddaloni between Monte Longano, to the east and Monte Garzano, to the west. This section was made a World Heritage Site in 1997 and, modelled on ancient Roman aqueducts, is made of three rows of arches, 55.8 metres high at its highest point.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Aqueduct of Vanvitelli or Caroline Aqueduct is an aqueduct built to supply the Reggia di Caserta and the San Leucio complex, supplied by water arising at the foot of Taburno, from the springs of the Fizzo, in the territory of Bucciano, which it carries along a winding 38 km route (mostly underground). Commissioned by Charles of Bourbon and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli (after whom it derives its two names), its construction began in March 1753 and concluded with its opening on 7 May 1762. Of particular architectural value is the perfectly preserved 529-metre-long section in tufa bridging the Valle di Maddaloni between Monte Longano, to the east and Monte Garzano, to the west. This section was made a World Heritage Site in 1997 and, modelled on ancient Roman aqueducts, is made of three rows of arches, 55.8 metres high at its highest point.

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta. Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta. Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta. Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo

Italy, Campania, Caserta Vecchia – The centre of Caserta in the Middle Ages, Casertavecchia, is an enchanting medieval village on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, 4 km northeast of Caserta

Italy, Campania, Caserta – The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretches for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It is also inspired by the park of Versailles.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretches for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It is also inspired by the park of Versailles.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretches for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It is also inspired by the park of Versailles.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – The Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretches for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It is also inspired by the park of Versailles.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Belvedere di San Leucio – The main part of the San Leucio estate is the ancient hunting lodge of the Belvedere, converted by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon into a silk mill to create an idealistic community of workers, who were guaranteed homes, schools, medical care and all services. The huge building complex, set around the inner courtyards, became the symbol of a model society based on the value of work and equality.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Santa Maria Capua Vetere – The Amphitheatre of Capua was a Roman amphitheatre in the city of Capua (modern Santa Maria Capua Vetere), second only to the Colosseum in size and probably the model for it. It may have been the first amphitheatre to be built by the Romans and was the location of the first and most famous gladiator school.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Santa Maria Capua Vetere – The Amphitheatre of Capua was a Roman amphitheatre in the city of Capua (modern Santa Maria Capua Vetere), second only to the Colosseum in size and probably the model for it. It may have been the first amphitheatre to be built by the Romans and was the location of the first and most famous gladiator school.

Italy, Campania, Caserta – Santa Maria Capua Vetere – The Amphitheatre of Capua was a Roman amphitheatre in the city of Capua (modern Santa Maria Capua Vetere), second only to the Colosseum in size and probably the model for it. It may have been the first amphitheatre to be built by the Romans and was the location of the first and most famous gladiator school.

Reggia di Caserta, Campania, ITALY: light over the Royal Palace and the Park

europe, italy, campania, caserta, reggia di caserta, lo scalone reale, entance to the rooms