Maria Amalia of Saxony (1724–1760), wife of Charles of Bourbon (1716–1788), was a key figure for the Royal Palace of Caserta, actively promoting its construction. Queen consort of Naples and Sicily (1738–1759), she influenced architectural taste and supported Luigi Vanvitelli in the construction of the Royal Palace and the Carolino Aqueduct.

In 1751, King Charles of Bourbon commissioned architect Luigi Vanvitelli to design a palace capable of competing with the great residences of European monarchs, choosing the plain near Caserta as its location. Vanvitelli accepted the challenge and presented a project that received the enthusiastic approval of the king and queen, Maria Amalia of Saxony.
Construction began in 1752 and continued, with some interruptions, until 1774. In the final year, after Luigi Vanvitelli’s death, the work was continued by his son Carlo, who completed it without being able to fully follow his father’s original design. During the reign of Ferdinand IV, the palace hosted the court in spring and summer and was often the setting for celebrations, receptions, and hunting trips; it later became the preferred residence of Ferdinand II. It remained part of the crown’s assets until 1921, when it passed to the State. During World War II, the palace was severely damaged by bombs and later restored.