Exterior view

In 1751, Vanvitelli was commissioned by the Spanish king to construct the government palace in Caserta and the neighbouring area of the city. Vanvitelli, who was accustomed to formulating his designs on the basis of clearly defined requirements, first made an analysis of the functions required of the royal palace, which, like Versailles, was to accommodate the whole administration. He proposed a building of enormous proportionsTwelve hundred rooms are grouped around four courtyards laid out as squares. The centrepiece includes a 'gran portico' from which four galleries radiate. The façades indicate two main storeys on a high, double-ground-floor structure. Three pavilions, situated at either end and in the centre, give definition to the façade.

The picture shows the façade of the building.

View the Ground plan of the Royal Residence, Caserta.