Details Time travel. The Royal Site of Portici | Schools

This eighteenth-century architectural jewel, commissioned by Charles of Bourbon and Maria Amalia of Saxony, is a true masterpiece, the result of the talent of some of the greatest architects of the time. The Royal Palace of Portici, the first major work commissioned by the Bourbons in Campania, did not take long to become their favorite refuge. The illustrious Ercolanese Academy and a laboratory for the restoration of marble and bronze were born within its walls. Furthermore, it was here that the first exhibition space for the extraordinary archaeological treasures of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabia opened, transforming the residence into a symbol of art and culture for the Grand Tour.

While walking you will admire the refined decorations, frescoes and stuccos that adorn the rooms of the Palace. You will discover how this place, once the summer residence of the Bourbons, was also an important cultural center, attracting writers and intellectuals from all over Europe.

Your journey will continue in the enchanting Botanical Garden, a true green paradise. Here, our botanical guides will reveal the secrets of an extraordinary biodiversity. You will admire the beauty of succulent plants, unique creatures capable of surviving in arid environments, and you will be enchanted by the colors and scents of this corner of nature.

This visit will allow you to:

• Discover history: you will relive the glories of the past and the atmosphere of the Bourbon court.
• Admire the art: you will appreciate the works of great masters of architecture and decoration.
• Exploring nature: you will walk among the plants and discover the beauty of the plant world.

The Royal Palace of Portici: A Royal Masterpiece of History, Art, and Nature

Welcome to the Royal Palace of Portici, a place where Bourbon magnificence meets lush nature and ancient archaeology.

Prepare to be breathless before such beauty enclosed in a single destination: an invaluable heritage that combines architectural elegance, a luxuriant Botanical Garden, and a breathtaking panorama between Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.

A single ticket will open the doors to a multidisciplinary and unforgettable experience, curated by the Musa Center, where history comes alive and nature enchants.

The Birth of a Royal Dream: The Palace of Charles and Amalia 

The Royal Site of Portici was conceived even before the famous Royal Palace of Caserta, by the will of King Charles of Bourbon and his consort, Queen Amalia of Saxony.

The sovereign, a great hunting enthusiast, desired a sublime place where he could dedicate himself undisturbed to his passion, while the queen dreamed of a residence immersed in the serenity of nature and the enchanting landscape between the imposing Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.

Thus, the beauty and strategic position of Portici immediately won their hearts, initiating the construction of a royal complex that would become a symbol of opulence and refinement.

Architectural Elegance and Royal Decorations 

The Royal Palace of Portici is a triumph of architectural elegance, with its refined halls and royal decorations that narrate centuries of Bourbon history. Every environment is an immersion in the opulence and taste of the era, from the grandiose staircases to the frescoed vaults.

Visitors can walk the same corridors trod by kings and queens, imagining the court life that animated these magnificent halls.

A Journey Through Time: The Herculanense Museum

The Herculanense Museum, located within the magnificent setting of the Royal Palace of Portici, offers a sophisticated multimedia experience that brings history to life without the need for physical artifacts. Rather than a traditional display of objects, the museum focuses on immersive storytelling and digital reconstructions that evoke the vanished atmosphere of the 18th-century court. It serves as a "museum of a museum," using technology to guide visitors through the grand narratives, royal ambitions, and the intellectual fervor that once defined this site as a global center of Enlightenment culture.

A Natural Paradise: The Botanical Garden and the Royal Gardens

In addition to the magnificence of the palace and the archaeological richness, the Royal Palace of Portici offers its visitors a total immersion in nature. The royal gardens and the Botanical Garden, rich in rare plants and exotic species, are a true gem. Here, among winding paths, water features, and hidden corners, nature reveals itself in all its beauty, offering an oasis of peace and a unique opportunity for lovers of botany and landscape.

A Breathtaking Panorama between Vesuvius and the Gulf 

The view from the Palace plunges into the infinite blue of the sea, framing a breathtaking panorama that embraces the Gulf of Naples and the imposing silhouette of Vesuvius. This privileged position, which so fascinated Charles of Bourbon and Amalia of Saxony, continues to enchant every visitor, offering unforgettable glimpses and the sensation of being part of a living painting.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this multidisciplinary "full immersion"! By purchasing a single ticket, you will open up a world of history, art, science, and nature that will leave you speechless. The Royal Palace of Portici awaits you for an unforgettable experience.