Italy - 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex

"The monumental complex at Caserta, created by the Bourbon king Charles III in the mid-18th century to rival Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, as well as natural woodland, hunting lodges and a silk factory. It is an eloquent expression of the Enlightenment in material form, integrated into, rather than imposed on, its natural setting." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1

Caserta - Veduta del parco e sullo sfondo la facciata della Reggia. Thanks to Ivan of Czech Republic.

Postcard 2
The "Staircase of Honor" (Scalone d'Onore) is the grand entrance to the Royal Palace of Caserta, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, along with the Royal Colony of San Leucio. Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, it is a masterpiece of Baroque design featuring 116 steps of Trapani marble that lead to an octagonal upper vestibule. Thanks to Fedrico of Italy.