Italy, a country celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and of course, its mouthwatering cuisine, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such hidden gem is the city of Caserta, where the art of pizza-making meets the grandeur of royal history.
A Palace Fit for Kings
At the heart of Caserta’s allure is the magnificent Reggia di Caserta, a royal palace that rivals the famed Palace of Versailles. With an astounding 1,200 rooms, a sprawling 123-hectare royal park, and an English garden that could easily be mistaken for the grandeur of Versailles, this palace is a testament to opulence and architectural splendor. In 2022, it welcomed approximately 770,000 visitors, an impressive number, though pale in comparison to the 10 to 15 million annual visitors to Versailles.
A Journey Set in Motion
The journey of discovery in Caserta begins with a curious travel writer from Rome, who sought to explore the overlooked treasures of this city. She hatched a plan to experience the perfect blend of pizza and palace, an endeavor that would redefine her perception of culinary and cultural delights.
The writer’s journey was set in motion when her husband suggested securing a reservation at Caserta’s Pizzeria I Masanielli di Francesco Martucci, a restaurant that had achieved the prestigious title of the world’s greatest pizza establishment in 2022, according to Top 50 Pizza.
Planning Ahead for Culinary Delights
Careful planning was the key to this unforgettable experience. The writer secured a reservation at Pizzeria I Masanielli di Francesco Martucci two months in advance, and their entire trip was meticulously organized around this reservation. The itinerary included a visit to the regal palace, a delectable dinner featuring award-winning pizza, and an overnight stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast.
A Journey Worth the Distance
The journey from Rome to Caserta is not a short one, taking a few hours by car. To ensure that they could fully savor the culinary delights awaiting them, the couple opted for a quick sandwich at the cafe within the Reggia before their visit. This strategic choice preserved their appetite for the evening’s gastronomic adventure.
Opulence and History Unveiled
As they explored the regal chambers of the palace, the grandeur of the Reggia di Caserta came into sharp focus. The throne room, spanning over 130 feet, exuded opulence with its intricate golden moldings. The throne itself, a masterpiece of carved and gilded wood, was adorned with sumptuous light blue velvet fabric.
A Culinary Revelation
Their evening at I Masanielli was nothing short of a culinary revelation. After an exploration of the medieval section of the city, located high above the palace, they indulged in a pizza experience that defied expectations. Francesco Martucci, a culinary virtuoso, employed haute cuisine techniques like flash freezing, sous vide cooking, dehydration, and fermentation to craft exquisite pizzas. Caserta boasts more than one noteworthy pizzaiolo, adding to its culinary prestige.
Pizza: An Art Form in Caserta
While pizza may trace its origins to Naples, Caserta’s pizzaiolos have elevated it to an art form. So impressed were they by the culinary excellence on offer that upon returning to Rome the following day, the writer promptly secured reservations at Pepe in Grani. Franco Pepe, the proprietor of Pepe in Grani, played a pivotal role in establishing I Masanielli as a fine-dining pizza destination and gained recognition on the Netflix series “Chef’s Table: Pizza.”
A Return to Hidden Delights
The writer’s subsequent visits to both pizzerias and her return to the Reggia di Caserta on multiple occasions solidified her belief that, for travelers seeking a unique and less-trodden path in Italy, a detour to Caserta is a journey well worth taking. She wisely advises future travelers to plan ahead, as these renowned pizzerias tend to book up a month or two in advance.
A Fusion of Culinary Excellence and Royal History
In summary, Caserta’s captivating fusion of culinary excellence and royal history offers an enchanting escape for those willing to venture beyond the conventional tourist destinations in Italy. With its unparalleled pizza experiences and the grandeur of the Reggia di Caserta, this hidden gem is a testament to the richness of Italy’s cultural and gastronomic offerings, inviting travelers to unlock its secrets and savor the best of both worlds.
