Reggia
NOUN [feminine]
Meaning and English translation 🔖
Royal palace
🇬🇧 It refers to a royal residence, which can be a single palace or a complex of buildings.
It signifies grandeur, luxury, and often historical significance.
The term can also be used hyperbolically to describe a large, beautifully constructed house or a magnificently furnished apartment.
🇮🇹 Si riferisce a una residenza reale, che può essere un singolo palazzo o un complesso architettonico.
In senso iperbolico, può descrivere una casa o un appartamento molto grande, lussuoso o sfarzosamente arredato.
| Masculine ♂️ | Feminine ♀️ | |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | - | la - una reggia |
| Plural | - | le - delle regge |
Example sentences 💬
La Reggia di Caserta è uno degli esempi più belli di architettura barocca.
The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.
Casa loro sembra una reggia: è enorme e splendidamente arredata.
Their house looks like a palace: it’s huge and beautifully furnished.
Durante il viaggio in Italia, abbiamo visitato le regge di Caserta e Venaria.
During the trip in Italy, we visited the Palaces of Caserta and Venaria.
In tutta Italia, ci sono delle regge incredibili da visitare, da nord a sud.
All over Italy, there are incredible royal palaces to visit, from north to south.
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Where does the word reggia come from? 🔎
Reggia comes from the Latin word regia (short for domus regia), meaning "royal house" or "palace." This term is directly connected to Re (King) and Regina (Queen), which stems from the Latin word rex, rooted in the verb regere, meaning "to govern."
Furthermore, rex is derived from the Sanskrit word rags, which means "to shine" or "to be illustrious."
Interestingly, the word Raggio (ray) also shares this root, emphasizing a royal's shining and radiant nature.
Did you know that... 🤓
Impress your italian friends with curious facts about Italy and its culture
Italy boasts some of Europe's most magnificent royal residences, each with a unique historical and architectural legacy. Here are six of Italy's most breathtaking royal palaces, perfect for those who appreciate history, art, and culture.
- Reggia di Caserta
Known as the "Italian Versailles," Charles of Bourbon commissioned the Reggia di Caserta to signify the independence of the Kingdom of Naples from Spanish rule. Construction began in 1752 and extended into the next century. The palace covers an impressive 47,000 square meters, with five floors and four internal courtyards, making it Italy's last great Baroque masterpiece. The extensive park, designed by Vanvitelli, draws inspiration from Versailles, featuring elaborate fountains and cascades that create a grand and symmetrical landscape.
- Reggia di Capodimonte
Located in Naples, Charles of Bourbon also commissioned this majestic palace in 1738 to house the prestigious Farnese collection. Over the years, it evolved into a royal residence and hunting lodge. Today, the Museum and Royal Park of Capodimonte offer stunning views, a 134-hectare park, and a vast array of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. The palace's dual function as a museum and royal residence makes it a unique cultural site.
- Palazzo dei Normanni
Situated in Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni is the oldest royal residence in Europe, inaugurated in 1130. This palace exemplifies a blend of Arab-Norman architectural styles and has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Its highlight is the Cappella Palatina, a 12th-century chapel that integrates Byzantine, Islamic, and Latin elements, reflecting Sicily's rich cultural history. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the island’s diverse heritage.
- Reggia di Venaria Reale
This Baroque masterpiece, constructed between 1658 and 1679 for Duke Charles Emmanuel II, spans 80,000 square meters with a 60-hectare park. It is located near Turin and represents a perfect example of a "royal city," with numerous shops and homes creating an autonomous village. The palace is renowned for its stunning blend of art and natural landscapes, with the Diana Room exemplifying Baroque splendor and the gardens continually evolving to balance ancient and modern aesthetics.
- Palazzo Reale di Genova
Built between 1643 and 1650, and becoming a royal residence in 1824 under the Savoy family, the Palazzo Reale in Genoa is a stunning example of Italian Baroque architecture. It features intricate stucco work, frescoes by prominent Genoese artists, 17th-century paintings, and beautiful gardens with a scenic terrace overlooking the city center and port. This palace offers a magical experience with its blend of artistic and architectural beauty.
- Villa Reale di Monza
Commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, this neoclassical villa in Monza was completed in the 18th century and is one of the largest parks in Europe. The park is so vast that it hosts the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix circuit!
The villa now hosts various events and art exhibitions inspired by Schönbrunn Palace and the Reggia di Caserta. Visitors can also explore a portion of the royal apartments, making it a perfect blend of historic elegance and contemporary culture.
