Caserta, town, southern Italy, capital of Caserta Province, in Campania Region, near Naples. A railroad junction and agricultural center, the town has industries producing explosives and soap. The modern town, Caserta, grew up around a huge 18th-century palace. The old town, Caserta Vecchia, founded in the 9th century, is northeast of Caserta. During World War II, Caserta served as a Mediterranean headquarters of the Allied forces, and the surrender of the German forces in Italy was signed here on April 29, 1945. Population (1997 estimate) 73,587.