Carditello Festival

A festival within a Bourbon estate

The Carditello Festival is the summer music series hosted at the Real Sito di Carditello, a hunting lodge and agricultural estate commissioned by the Bourbons in the heart of the Caserta plains, now located in the municipality of San Tammaro, in the province of Caserta (Campania). Established to return a long-abandoned monument to the public after its restoration by the State, the festival is organized by the Fondazione Real Sito di Carditello, whose members include the Ministry of Culture, the Campania Region, and the Municipality of San Tammaro. The artistic direction is led by Antonello De Nicola.

The Riding Arena, a unique stage

Concerts are held in the Galoppatoio (Riding Arena), the massive elliptical ring surrounding the royal villa; it is considered the largest hippodrome in the world located within the perimeter of a royal residence. The audience is seated in a space framed by obelisks, fountains, and the 18th-century facade of the Real Casino, creating a natural backdrop that makes every evening feel far more special than a standard open-air concert.

The seventh edition: July 2026

The 2026 edition, the seventh, will take place over three evenings between July 24 and 29, with all shows starting at 9:30 PM. The program balances international chamber music, the latest Italian singer-songwriter talent, and a major interpreter of the Neapolitan and Italian tradition. It is a more intimate format than in previous years, yet perfectly aligned with the site's vocation: a few highly curated, exclusive events.

The music of Carditello

• Singer-songwriter and indie: leading names from the contemporary Italian scene, often performing exclusive dates for the Campania region.
• International music: foreign artists in acoustic or chamber ensembles specifically designed for this setting.
• Classical and opera: previous editions have hosted the Orchestra of the Teatro di San Carlo and Puccini masterpieces.
• Great Italian tradition: legendary performers of pop music and the Neapolitan songbook.

More than just concerts

On festival nights, the Foundation offers evening tours of the Royal Apartments alongside the performances, featuring food and wine pairings inspired by the estate's own produce and the Terra di Lavoro region. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore the historic rooms and enjoy dinner on-site before the concert begins. This is why the Carditello Festival is viewed more as a cultural experience than a simple concert series.

A model of cultural regeneration

For years, Carditello symbolized the neglect of this part of Campania before its public acquisition and extensive restoration. The festival, along with the Foundation's other activities, has helped reshape the perception of the area: today, the Royal Site is one of the most active cultural hubs in the province of Caserta, with year-round programming ranging from the "Lovers' Carnival" in February to the "Horses & Knights" equestrian festival in the spring.

How to enjoy your evening

The site is about 15 kilometers from the Royal Palace of Caserta and just over 30 from Naples; many spectators combine the concert with a day trip to the area's Bourbon residences. We recommend arriving early, as access is through the park and internal parking areas fill up quickly on busy nights.