Casina Vanvitelliana, a bourbon jewel of the Phlegraean Fields

The Casina Vanvitelliana is located in Bacoli, in the Phlegraean Fields, in the province of Naples, at the center of Lake Fusaro, connected to the shore by a long wooden pier. Its setting is what makes it immediately unique: an eighteenth century building suspended above the water, surrounded by a lagoon landscape whose light and colors change throughout the day. Set within a layered territory shaped by volcanism, archaeology, and Bourbon history, the Casina stands out as a scenic presence that remains perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings.



The Fusaro area became part of the Bourbon estates in 1752 and was designated as a hunting and fishing reserve. In 1782 Ferdinand IV commissioned Carlo Vanvitelli, son of Luigi, to design the Royal Hunting Lodge now known as the Casina Vanvitelliana. The structure, one of the finest expressions of late eighteenth century architecture in Campania, features an articulated layout composed of overlapping octagonal volumes, large windows, and a silhouette reminiscent of a pagoda. It served as both a residence and a representative venue for distinguished guests, including Gioachino Rossini and Luigi Einaudi. Around it, the lake preserves the charm of a coastal ecosystem where brackish waters, reed beds, and birdlife enhance the contemplative atmosphere of the site.



Visiting the Casina Vanvitelliana means experiencing a place defined by details: the walk along the wooden pier, the reflection of the building on the still water, the silence interrupted only by the wind and the calls of the lake’s birds. The complex regularly hosts cultural events and represents an ideal stop within a broader itinerary through the Phlegraean Fields, alongside Baia, Cuma, and Pozzuoli. For those seeking unique destinations, it is not merely a monument: it is a threshold between architecture and landscape, where Bourbon theatrical elegance meets a natural environment that still retains the power to surprise. Here, time seems to slow down, and for this very reason the visit leaves a lasting impression.

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