The Bosco Vecchio (Old Wood)

The Bosco Vecchio is the oldest part of the Royal Palace of Caserta’s Royal Park Between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when Casa Hirta (the ancient city perched on the hill) had been abandoned, Caserta had expanded into the plains. The residence of the Acquaviva of Aragona princes stood there surrounded by Italian gardens. Respectful of the pre-existing buildings, Luigi Vanvitelli integrated part of the ancient complex into his projects. He maintained the layout of the groves, introduced tree evergreen species and reused part of the Acquaviva’s statuary collections.