Casertavecchia: historic village overlooking Caserta

One is often captivated by the grandeur of Caserta, its history, its Royal Palace, its monuments, and its architectural richness. Yet, just 10 km away, lies the village of Casertavecchia, well known among locals but almost unknown to most tourists, Italian or foreign, who are not from the area. The greatness of Casertavecchia lies precisely in its ability to remain a distinctive tourist destination even for local residents.

Let’s discover Casertavecchia together!

Casertavecchia: tourism through history

What characterizes Casertavecchia is the warm welcome it offers to every visitor. Its elevated position ensures entry into another world, with its scents, flavors, scenic landscapes, and slower rhythms of life.

The first traces of Casertavecchia in history date back to 861 AD, when it was known as Casahirta, “rugged village,” due to its orogenesis and composition. Belonging to the Lombards, it was ceded in 879 to Count Pandulfo of Capua. This was a crucial transfer, as during the raids of the year 1000, Casertavecchia became a place of refuge for the authorities of the County of Capua. In 1062, Norman rule gave Casertavecchia its crucial importance, which lasted until the construction of the Royal Palace of Caserta. From then on, the village began a gradual decline, eventually becoming the small medieval hamlet it remains today.

The strictly medieval nature of the village is evident in its urban layout: a network of stone alleys and winding streets leading to the small central square, characterized by the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. Small balconies, ornamental plants, and the surrounding views of the Caserta valley complete the picture.

The Cathedral of Casertavecchia, built between 1113 and 1153, reflects a blend of architectural styles: Romanesque composition, Sicilian-Arabic inlays, and Benedictine simplicity. Most of the original frescoes have been lost, but at the right entrance one can still admire the Madonna and Child.

Also of great interest is the Castle of Casertavecchia, which almost seems to welcome visitors to the village. Today, only the outer courtyard and the terrace overlooking the valley are accessible. The castle is thought to have been built as early as the 6th century to provide shelter from barbarian raids, but it was only between the 12th and 13th centuries that it took on the form we admire today.

Concerts of a Midsummer Night in Casertavecchia

Particularly noteworthy was the initiative held last year, on August 14th: Concerts of a Midsummer Night in Casertavecchia.

It was a revolutionary way to spend the eve of feriae augusti in the natural coolness of the medieval village, lulled by celestial music echoing through the ancient cathedral walls, gardens, palaces, and even hidden alleys.

The event was promoted by the Anna Jervolino Association and the Caserta Chamber Orchestra, in collaboration with Un Borgo di Libri, which launched this path of classical music capable of attracting Italian and foreign guests to the village on a day when cities and beaches are usually empty, as people celebrate Ferragosto with bonfires. Support also came from the parish of San Michele Arcangelo, led by Monsignor Giovanni Vella, Vicar General of the Diocese of Caserta, as well as from the Confraternity and the Pro Loco of Casertantica.