Aversa Car Hire

Guide of Aversa

Geography

Aversa is located 24 km north of Naples, in the province of Caserta. It is situated in the heart of a fertile coastal plain, known as the agro-aversano. For this reason, the city is renowned for the quality and quantity of its agricultural produce.

Climate in Aversa

Aversa enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The hottest months in the city are June, July and August, with daily high temperatures of 27°C (30°C in August). Temperatures begin to drop in November and last until March, with average daily high temperatures of 16°C. January is the coldest and cloudiest month in the city and November is the rainiest time to visit.

For guaranteed sunny days, summer is the best time to travel. However, if you’re planning on hitting the sights rather than the beach or pool, spring and autumn are lovely times to visit too.

Culture

The city of Aversa was officially founded in 1022, by Rainulfo Drengot, though local researchers have found evidence of human inhabitants dating back to the Neolithic period. Drengot commissioned the fortified palace near the Church of Santa Maria and set about building the urban core of the city, which remains the same today.

Things To Do in Aversa

Explore the awe-inspiring Duomo

The Duomo di San Paolo is Aversa’s oldest and most impressive cathedral. Richard I started work on the monumental building in 1052, and his son completed it at the end of the century. Sebastiano Porciani created the impressive stucco decorations, though much of the Baroque facade has undergone extensive restoration following several major earthquakes. The octagonal dome is one of the largest in the world. Don’t miss the Norman bell tower and its three ginormous bells.

Discover why Aversa is known as the ‘City of a Hundred Churches’

Aversa is crammed full of historic churches, many dating back to the 11th century. Beyond the cathedral, there are dozens of churches worth exploring. The Church of Santa Maria a Piazza is filled with frescoes from the school of Giotto, while the 10th-century Benedictine Abbey of San Lorenzo is home to a beautiful Renaissance cloister too.

Visit the historic Aragonese Castle

The Castello Aragonese is one of the most beautiful castles in the city. Built in the Middle Ages, it is now home to the Italian Penitentiary Police.

Take a trip to the Palazzo Reale

Neighbouring Casterta is a pretty city and an easy drive from the heart of Aversa. It’s best known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Palace, constructed for Bourbon kings in the 18th century. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with impressive gardens frequently compared to those in Versailles.

Spend the day in Naples

No trip to Campania would be complete without a stop in Naples. It’s easy enough to visit for the day, though you may need longer to soak in its sights. Wander around the Spaccanapoli, explore the Castel Ovo and Lungomare and tuck into a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Eating Out in Aversa

The wider Aversa municipality is renowned for the quality of its produce. Asprinio di Aversa DOC is a popular dry white wine, served in most local restaurants and bars and there are numerous vineyards dotted around the city. As well as fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, the area is renowned for its famous buffalo mozzarella, which has been created here since the Middle Ages. Unlike most of Italy, which is hardly renowned for its breakfasts, residents in Aversa pride themselves on their breakfast pastries. The Polacca Aversana is a soft brioche pastry filled with custard and sour cherries. Locals say that a Polish nun invented the recipe for her sisters in the early 20th century.

When it comes to eating out in Aversa, the city is brimming with brilliant options. Start the day on the right foot with a trip to Pink House, which bakes the Polacca Aversana to its original recipe. If you have a real penchant for mozzarella, head to The Mozzata in the city centre. It’s one of the few places in the world where you’ll find a pizza made entirely from buffalo mozzarella, known locally as a mozzapizza. For the most authentic dishes, we recommend veering off the main road to explore the sidestreets. If in doubt, whenever you see a big group of locals, follow them inside!

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Aversa is Naples International Airport (NAP), located 12.8 km from the city centre. It is the fifth busiest airport in Italy and the busiest airport in Southern Italy, so finding a flight should be relatively straightforward. Most of Europe’s largest airline carriers, including British Airways, Ryanair and WizzAir, serve the airport. It’s possible to fly direct from the United States too, with most flights operated by United Airlines.

To reach Aversa from the airport, you can take the train, bus, taxi or drive. If you plan on taking the train, you will need to change at Napoli Corso Meridonale and transfer to Napoli Centrale. The entire journey only takes 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can make the 1 hour 23-minute bus journey (Line 180) or hop in a taxi. It only takes 15 minutes to drive between the two destinations.

Getting around Aversa

Aversa is a compact city and you’ll be able to tick off most of the major sights on foot. The city also has its own railway station, which sits on the Rome-Formia-Naples Railway. You can easily book tickets through the Trenitalia website or at the ticket office. Buses are generally cheap and reliable too, run by CTP.

However, if you’re planning on exploring the surrounding countryside and smaller towns beyond the major sightseeing stops, we recommend hiring a car. The city conveniently connects to the A1 Motorway, so it’s easy to travel in and out of the city by car. You’ll get to enjoy more flexibility too.