Royal Palace, Portici
The Royal Palace of Portici is king Charles’s VI residency located in the vicinity of Naples. The Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Naples Federico II as well as an exhibition facility “Agricultural Science Museum” are currently situated within palace’s walls. The Museum of Herculaneum founded by the king in the 18th century merits particular attention.
The History of the Royal Palace of Portici
The beginning of palace’s history dates back to 18th century when the young king of Naples and Sicily Charles VII and his spouse – Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony – came to Portici to visit French Duke of Elbeuf. The king was so startled by the beauty of the land, that he immediately decided to build a residency here, that was supposed to be not only his personal palace but a place for hosting foreign guests.
In 1738 the architect Antonio Canevari from Lisbon was invited to participate in the construction of the building. Baroque was established as the main architectural style. Giuseppe Bonito, who was in charge of interior embellishment in the Royal Palace of Portici, decorated the place in a rococo manner. Marble sculptures of Joseph Canart, an outstanding artist, were set in the garden, that was planted right by the residency.
When the building was being constructed, many historical objects, such as ruins of some villas, residencies of noble families and a temple with 24 marble pillars, were discovered. This is not surprising given that buried in lava Herculaneum lies not far away from the place. The king opened a separate museum to store every exhibit.
The first lady of the house, Maria Amalia of Saxony, decorated the interior with numerous porcelain sculptures, which were produced at her own factories in Capodimonte.
The palace also had a zoo, where elephants, lions, antelope and even kangaroos lived.
Other wealthy noblemen began to build their villas alongside with the king’s residency. There are 122 buildings here in total, all of them are known as the Vesuvius villas.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get to Portici is from Naples. You should take public transport: a bus or a train that includes Vesuvius or Pompeii to their route.
Tourists who travel by car should follow road signs on the autostrada A3.
