Visitors to the Royal Palace of Caserta’s English Garden should be aware of a temporary closure affecting access to the grounds. As of today, March 19, 2026, the north entrance to the garden is closed to the public for maintenance work. This closure is expected to remain in effect until the morning of Saturday, March 21st.
The Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major cultural attraction in Italy. The English Garden, established in 1787, represents an early example of the English garden style in continental Europe, influenced by similar designs at places like the Petit Trianon in Versailles. According to the Reggia di Caserta’s official website, the garden was commissioned by Queen Maria Carolina and designed with input from British botanist John Andrew Graefer.
Accessing the Garden During the Closure
Whereas the north entrance is unavailable, access to the English Garden remains possible via the south entrance. Visitors are advised to use this alternative route to enter and exit the grounds. The Reggia di Caserta has apologized for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause.
A Brief History of the English Garden
The English Garden at the Royal Palace of Caserta stands as a testament to the evolving tastes in landscape design during the late 18th century. Moving away from the formal, geometric layouts of Italian and French gardens, the English Garden embraced a more naturalistic aesthetic. The garden’s design incorporated seemingly wild views, rolling hills, and streams, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The garden also features ruins and sculptures intended to evoke the excitement surrounding archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii. Its diverse collection of exotic plants reflects the Bourbon dynasty’s interest in botany, with over 228 tree species currently represented. The garden also includes four historic greenhouses and 24 sculptures.
The Garden’s Design Influences
The English Garden’s creation was influenced by the work of British plenipotentiary minister William Hamilton, who advised Queen Maria Carolina. Carlo Vanvitelli submitted the initial project plans, and John Andrew Graefer, a botanist recommended by the president of the Royal Society of London, played a key role in its realization. The garden’s design sought to blend art and nature, creating a space that was both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating.
What to Expect When Visiting
Visitors to the English Garden can explore its winding paths, discover hidden corners, and admire the variety of plant life. A notable feature is the tiny lake with a Doric temple, a picturesque scene reminiscent of paintings by J.M.W. Turner. The garden’s layout also includes reconstructed ruins, showcasing fragments of marble amidst the vegetation, offering a glimpse into the past.
The garden’s botanical heart lies within its Orto Botanico, where exotic plants from around the world once flourished, including camphor trees, tea plants, Japanese magnolias, bamboo, and rare ferns. Today, visitors can still admire the massive oriental plane trees with their gnarled trunks.
The Reggia di Caserta continues to maintain and preserve the English Garden, ensuring that it remains a captivating destination for visitors. For the latest updates and information regarding the temporary closure and other visitor information, please visit the official website.
The north entrance is scheduled to reopen to the public on the morning of Saturday, March 21st. Visitors planning to visit the English Garden during this period should plan accordingly and utilize the south entrance. We encourage readers to share their experiences and photos of the Royal Palace of Caserta and its beautiful gardens.
