The fountain is supplied by the Acquedotto Carolino, an engineering marvel spanning over 38 kilometers to bring water to Caserta.
The sculptor Paolo Persico completed the marble statues of Diana and Actaeon between 1770 and 1780.
The sculptural group is positioned at the base of a significant artificial waterfall designed to resemble a natural mountain spring.
The myth depicted warns against the consequences of seeing divinity, as Diana punishes Actaeon for witnessing her bathing.
The water pressure powering the fountain and the entire park axis relies entirely on gravity feed from the distant mountain springs.
The Fountain of Diana and Actaeon is the uppermost sculptural centerpiece of the Royal Palace of Caserta's 3-kilometer-long park axis. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and realized by sculptor Paolo Persico, the fountain illustrates the Ovidian myth of Diana surprised while bathing by the hunter Actaeon. The installation features a large central basin fed by the Carolino Aqueduct, which channels water through the park's series of tiered water features. Actaeon is depicted at the moment of his transformation into a stag, surrounded by hounds. The surrounding park landscape was designed to frame this fountain as the visual terminus of the palace gardens. Water cascades from a rocky cliff-like formation at the base of the waterfall, transitioning into a sequence of smaller pools. It remains one of the largest and most complex hydraulic engineering feats of the 18th-century Bourbon monarchy. The monument is integrated into the larger botanical arrangement of the English Garden area.
From the lower central path looking upward, capturing the waterfall, the fountain sculpture, and the palace in the distant background.
Utilize the shuttle bus service from the palace entrance, as the walk to the top of the park is a steep, long incline.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the entire length of the fountain axis is exposed to direct sunlight.
Visit the English Garden immediately adjacent to this fountain for a different botanical aesthetic.
Attempting to walk the entire distance from the palace in mid-summer without adequate hydration.
The park fountains may be periodically turned off for maintenance or water conservation during summer months.
Maintain respectful distance from the water basins and marble statues; do not climb on the masonry.
