Palazzo Paternò: an evening on Vanvitelli and Caserta’s monumental origins

Palazzo Paternò hosts an evening dedicated to Vanvitelli and Caserta's monumental genesis

When: Friday, 20 March 2026, at 17:00

Where: Palazzo Paternò, via San Carlo 142, Caserta — free admission.

"The Founders of Caserta" is a cultural event tracing the city's 18th-century transformation under Charles of Bourbon, driven by Luigi Vanvitelli's architectural vision. Part of the Comunalia series, the evening turns Palazzo Paternò into a temporary cultural hub for historical and artistic study.

Program highlights

• Presentation of Giuseppe de Nitto's research published in The Queen and the Architect, reconstructing artistic and urban decisions from unpublished correspondence.
• Historical insights on Palazzo Paternò and the Paternò family by local scholars.
• Display of a collection dedicated to Maria Amalia of Saxony curated by Claudia Mazzitelli.
• Exhibition of original coins and medals connected to Charles and Maria Amalia, introduced by a numismatist.
• Selection of period jewellery with expert commentary.
• International presentation of an unpublished portrait of Luigi Vanvitelli, attributed to Sebastiano Conca, with stylistic and historical introduction.
• Closing concert paying tribute to the Neapolitan School: works by Paisiello, Pergolesi, Mercadante, Giordani and later reinterpretations, performed by soprano, mezzo and tenor with piano accompaniment.

Thanks to the cooperation of the palace's custodians, Palazzo Paternò will function as a temporary "distributed museum", offering visitors a blend of art, numismatics, collection displays and live music.

Parallel exhibition

Concurrently, at the Circolo Nazionale di Caserta, the photographic exhibition The Climb (La salita) presents images from the juvenile prison of Nisida, prompting reflection on memory and social themes. The exhibition is organized by the Association of Historic Houses of Italy – Campania Section.

Practical information

• Admission: free
• Date: 20/03/2026
• Time: from 17:00
• Venue: Palazzo Paternò, via San Carlo 142, Caserta

The event is a valuable opportunity to explore Caserta's monumental history and to view documents, artworks and testimonies tied to the 18th-century urban project that shaped the city.