Look at the model

Model created through a photograhic technique

on a scale of 1: 1000

Size 32x23 cm for a height of 8 cm

41 cut out pieces

cardboard base

instructions and historical outline

The entrance

The impressive entrance to the royal palace coincides with the long central gallery that, like huge binoculars, leads the eye towards the marvellous park.

The dome

The grand dome should have been raised at the crossing of the four interior wings. In the model, it might be added to the other unaccomplished volumes, so as to better appreciate Vanvitelli's original design.

Detail of the plan

HISTORICAL OUTLINE

The Royal Palace of Caserta was designed and built by architect Luigi Vanvitelli (1700-1773). It was commissioned by King Carlo of Borbone, who came to the throne of the ÒKingdom of Naples and of two SiciliesÓ in 1734. With its symbolic magnificence and architectural finesse, the palace illustrates like a new Versailles the ambitions and the might of the kingdom. The Palace is one of the largest monuments in Europe: the faade is 253 m. long and 41 m. tall. Its five stories house 1217 rooms, 34 stairways and 1970 windows; including the enclosed park the complex spreads over approximately 5.6 square kilometers. Vanvitelli wanted to emphasize the central hall by erecting a large dome, visible from a great distance, which would have framed the kingÕs statue. In fact, due to financial constraints, the dome was never built.