The Royal Palace of Caserta is hosting the exhibition “The Crown of King Charles of Bourbon” until March 21, 2025, giving visitors the opportunity to admire a faithful reproduction of the crown with which Charles of Bourbon was crowned King of Naples and Sicily on July 3, 1735.
The original crown, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth Farnese of Spain for her son Charles, was crafted by a group of goldsmiths and diamond cutters—mainly from Florence—under the direction of the French master Claude Imbert. This masterpiece featured over 300 diamonds of exceptional quality, including a central 41.5-carat diamond, described by Imbert as having a “perfect violet color.” Unfortunately, the original crown was lost during King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon’s escape to Palermo, leaving a gap in historical heritage.
The exhibited reproduction has been meticulously reconstructed, faithfully respecting the original design, thanks to the collaboration between gemologists, designers, and jewelers from the Centro Orafo il Tarì. The project was made possible using original drawings preserved in the State Archives of Naples and period paintings housed in major European museums.
The exhibition, set up in the rooms adjacent to the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Caserta, offers a digital educational journey that guides visitors through the history of the crown and the intricate process of its reconstruction. This exploration of history and goldsmithing art allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historical context of Charles of Bourbon’s reign and appreciate the craftsmanship techniques used in creating the replica.
The exhibition is included in the admission ticket to the Royal Apartments of the Royal Palace of Caserta and follows the museum’s opening hours. On free admission days, the exhibition will remain closed. For further information, visitors can consult the official website of the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Photo from the official website