The hamlet of Casertavecchia

North of Caserta, just 10 km away from the city, there is the beautiful medieval hamlet of Casertavecchia, that was first dominated by the Lombards, and then by Normans and the Aragon dynasty.

Still today you can sense an ancient atmosphere along the streets: a true leap in the past.

The hamlet of Casertavecchia is a cluster of small rocky streets with great views, as it it located 401 metres above sea level. Here, you will find many taverns and small shops, so don’t miss the chance to buy a lucky sprite of Casertavecchia, that is a mischievous sprite that will bring you some good luck.

All the streets lead to piazza Vescovado where the Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo (San Michele Arcangelo) is. It is a Romanesque-Benedictine style cathedral that dates back to 1113. Its bell tower overlooks the entire hamlet and it houses 18 columns from a Roman temple and the medieval fresco depicting the Madonna col bambino (Virgin Mary with her baby).

Another must-visit place is the Chiesa dell’Annunziata (Annunziata Church), a Gothic-style church with traces of frescoes and the beautiful inlaid pulpit.

The Castello di Casertavecchia (Casertavecchia Castle) dates back to the Norman-Suevian period and you can still visit the ruins that are at the end of a small hill that offers a beautiful view. The castle includes the Torre dei Falchi (Hawks Tower) that stands 30 metres and is the second-tallest tower in Europe.

From the castle, walk along Viale della Pineta to reach the Pineta di Casertavecchia (Casertavecchia Pine grove), where you can enjoy a relaxing walk through peaceful nature.

Rumor has it that the ghost of Siffridina, the mother-in-law of Federico II’s daughter, wanders around the Duomo and the Castle, for she loved this small hamlet very much…so be careful!

To reach Casertavecchia by car, drive along the A1 highway and take the exit signposted Caserta Nord, then get near the Reggia di Caserta (Caserta Mansion) and turn onto via Passionisti; once you reach the end of the street, cross the bridge and turn left onto via Tescione. After the Caserta hospital, proceed towards the cemetery of Caserta. After the cemetery proceed towards Casertavecchia and park your car in the San Rocco area.

To reach it by train, you need to get to the Caserta train station. Outside the station, in Viale Carlo III di Borbone there is the bus terminus. Take the 103 line bus that stops at Casertavecchia-Capolinea Chiesa S. Rocco.