On 25 March, the Monumental Complex of the Belvedere of San Leucio opened its doors for a day marking a turning point between historical memory and the vision of a new renaissance. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Royal Colony, the Orizzonti Foundation, in partnership with national and local institutions, organised a solemn celebration dedicated to what was once one of Europe’s most advanced experiments in social welfare and social innovation.
The solemnity of the occasion was further enhanced by the participation of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, bearing witness to the historical and cultural bond that gave rise to this site, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The day brought together representatives of the Government, local institutions and leading figures from the region, in a dialogue aimed at revitalising San Leucio’s role in today’s cultural and productive landscape. The proceedings were introduced and chaired by historian and essayist Paolo Mieli.
“San Leucio is the manifesto of a new productive and cultural humanism,” emphasised Giuseppe Menniti, President of the Orizzonti Foundation. “Through the Year of Leucio, we intend to transform memory into a living project, bringing Caserta back to the centre of the international debate on employment and regeneration. We are not simply celebrating an anniversary; we are reigniting a driving force of civilisation which, today as it did 250 years ago, points the way towards combining the excellence of human ingenuity, the beauty of art and the value of social cohesion.”
The initiative forms part of the wider programme of the Year of Leucio, an extensive calendar of cultural, institutional and scientific events designed to restore San Leucio to its rightful historical and contemporary prominence, reaffirming its significance in national and international public debate.
Founded in 1776 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, San Leucio immediately established itself as a centre of manufacturing excellence and a laboratory of social progress. Through its celebrated “Leucian Code”, the Colony introduced principles that were revolutionary for their time, including compulsory education, the protection of workers’ rights, equality between men and women, and a commitment to public health. It thus outlined a model of community which, today, in an era of profound economic and digital transformation, once again engages the present with remarkable relevance.
For more than two centuries, the name of San Leucio has been synonymous with unparalleled manufacturing quality. Its silks, born from the combination of technological innovation and outstanding craftsmanship, have made their mark throughout history, adorning institutional buildings and royal residences and helping to establish the international reputation of Italian craftsmanship. Today, that same community intends to reaffirm its vocation and manufacturing excellence, revitalising them through a renewed awareness of its cultural heritage and transforming San Leucio’s historical legacy into an active driving force for development, identity and international recognition.
In the afternoon, H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, accompanied by her husband and H.R.H. Princess Beatrice of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, visited the historic silk mills of San Leucio, a landmark of Italy’s manufacturing tradition and artisanal excellence.
The visit sought to highlight the fundamental role played by women in the history of the Royal Colony.
“San Leucio represents an extraordinary chapter in our history, in which women played a central role not only in production but also in building a community founded on equality and respect,” the Princess stated. “Visiting the silk mills today means paying tribute to this heritage and reaffirming how relevant it remains to invest in women’s talent and in the recognition of their contribution to the world of work.”
The Princess also emphasised the personal and symbolic significance of the visit, linked to her family’s history and to the importance San Leucio continues to hold as a model of social and cultural progress.
“For my family, this place is not merely a part of our heritage, but a tangible example of vision and responsibility, inspiring us to look towards the future with awareness and a strong sense of purpose.”
