Caserta

Caserta is the Neapolitan equivalent of Versailles. It ought to be better known as it is a stunning destination. Especially on a clear sunny day when one can really enjoy the park.

The house almost inevitably is partly under restoration. And there were no guidebooks to buy except off hawkers and they are always really bad with dreadful translations. But nothing could really spoil the day other than becoming incredibly footsore. The grounds are huge and there is a minibus to take one from one end to another. but that's cheating.

As you can see, the gardens are very long, even if you just walk from one end to another, without taking in the English garden which runs parallel to this at the top,

 A long way back...

 Getting there, but still a long way to go...

 

 Now a really long way back..

 But still not at the end

 Yes finally at the end

having made it all the way up to this final fountain group, a right turn takes you into the English garden. Which is lovely but they make it extra tiring by only having an open gate at one end, so you have to walk parallel to the cascade and then back up it again. Ah well, good exercise I guess.

 Ok, detour over, and a lovely one. Back to the house...

Phew, made it.

The Palace is also remarkable for ts scale. Quite breathtaking.

Another historical artistic quirk in the area is the tradition for nativity scenes that get all out of hand are just an excuse for lots of models. Some of these are absolutely huge....