South of Naples, between Mount Vesuvius and the sea, stands the Royal Palace of Portici — a masterpiece of 18th-century Bourbon architecture. Commissioned in 1738 by King Charles of Bourbon and Queen Amalia of Saxony, the palace was their summer retreat, chosen for its enchanting setting along the ancient Strada Regia delle Calabrie. Inside, frescoed halls, grand staircases, and refined rooms reveal the splendor of the Neapolitan court. During its construction, extraordinary discoveries from Herculaneum and Pompeii inspired the creation of the first Bourbon museum — the famous Museo Herculanense. The visit includes the Royal Chapel, where Mozart once performed, and the nearby 14th-century Franciscan convent of Sant’Antonio, rich in hidden art treasures. Today, the palace houses the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Naples, yet every corner still evokes the timeless elegance and magnificence of the Bourbon dynasty.
