The ROYAL CASINA in Parco Fusaro

Called Palus Acherusia by the ancients, known by Licofrone and described by Strabone, the Lake Fusaro was named this way only during the Angevin period, when it was used for steeping hemp, cultivated in the territory of Cumae.

Property of the Bourbons since Charles III bought it from the Annunziata Establishment in order to satisfy his venatorial passion, organizing beatings in the wood nearby (Pineta) and fishing in the lake. The district was embellished and put to its best use by Vanvitelli the Elder, designer of the works pertaining the construction of the buildings necessary for pisciculture and mussel farming.

… When Charles III left Naples, his son Ferdinand IV had the works finished, availing himself of the inspiration and the professionalism of  Vanvitelli junior (after his father's death).

A corner planted with trees in the Park

In the park planted with trees , revived by geometrically divided flowerbeds, they were built two structures: one called BARACCONE (booth), which enclosed a large penthouse, supported by arches and pillars; it was used as a shelter for the boats of the royal families and contained fishing equipments.

Ruins of the ancient Baraccone (booth)

The other building, called CASSONE (caisson) was used to preserve fish in big closed  containers made with reeds, so to keep it alive during the selling.

It was born also that wonderful octagonal bonbonnière, which rises from the sea as an exotic flower, not too far from the shore, to which it is connected thanks to a gang-board bridge.

The mezzanine and the first floor, lighted up by dazzling glass windows facing the waters of the lake, compose a small pagoda.

Detail of a fresco

Its lines, the stuccos and the frescos, the charm of its design are melted in an architectonic whole, which appears like a jewel.

The wonderful ceiling lamp in the entrance hall

Ferdinand IV wanted to reserve the Royal Casina to the most illustrious guests, such as the Emperor of Austria Francesco II and his Wife, the Prince Federico Clemente Earl of Metternich, the Prince and the Princess of Saxony and the Archduchess Carolina, guests of the Royal Casina for rich banquets, which were repeated  during their visits in 1819.

The same ceiling lamp seen from another angle-shot

The evening of the 24th March 1846 they were received the Tsar and the Tsarina of Russia for a wonderful party in their honour.

The sovereigns of Prussia had lunch in the Royal Casina in January 1859, on occasion of their informal visit in Naples, under the false names of Count and Countess of Zollern.

All the genealogy of the Bourbons passed by here, such as King Umberto I and Vittorio Emanuele III on occasion of beatings and fishing.

The Last Head of the Government to be guest of the Royal Casina was the President of the Republic Luigi Einaudi …

The entrance through the characteristic gangway-bridge

Other illustrious personages were to the Royal Casina such as the great W. A. MOZART, who came to Cumae to absorb the atmosphere for its musical work Titus and the ingenious and sparkling ROSSINI, who after hunting and fishing used to write musical themes and airs.

Gianni RACE "Bacoli Baia Cuma Miseno: Storia e mito"