Royal Palace of Portici – the Bourbon residence now housing a university

History and description

Built starting in 1738 on a design by Antonio Canevari and Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace was commissioned by Charles of Bourbon as a summer residence. During its construction, the first remains of the Roman city of Herculaneum were discovered in its foundations, leading to the creation of the Herculaneum Museum. Architecturally, the palace combines late Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Inside, it features frescoed halls on multiple levels, while outside it is surrounded by 36 hectares of parkland, including the Botanical Garden, which today hosts the Faculty of Agriculture.

Curiosities

As the first royal palace built by the Bourbons in Italy, the residence also welcomed Mozart, who performed before the royal family in 1770.

Access

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours varying depending on the season, the palace can be visited at the cost of €5–7, with free entry and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

The site can be reached by car via the A3 motorway towards Portici, or by train from Naples Central Station.

Although less well‑known than other Bourbon residences, the Royal Palace of Portici is one of the most beautiful buildings in Campania and is truly worth a visit.

Photo credits: IlSistemone (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0