Boscoreale
Discovering Boscoreale: A Brief Historical Overview
Hello friends! Today, I will talk to you about Boscoreale, an Italian commune located in the metropolitan city of Naples, famous for its farmhouses and delicious wine. But Boscoreale is also a land rich in history, and I want to take you on a journey to discover its origins.
Since the Samnite period, numerous rustic villas have been located in the territory of Boscoreale, exploiting the fertility of the soil. Over time, many of them transformed into luxurious residences, and during the reign of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian, it became a suburb of nearby Pompeii, with the probable name "Pagus Augustus Felix Suburbanus". However, these villas were destroyed during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, but the territory was probably reoccupied later, as evidenced by the discovery of lanterns with Christian symbols from the 4th century.
But it was in the 19th century that Boscoreale became famous for the discovery of numerous Roman rustic villas, brought to light by private citizen excavations under the supervision of the Archaeological Superintendence. The excavations brought to light splendid archaeological artifacts, such as a treasure trove of silverware, frescoes, bronzes, and mosaic floors, which were removed by explorers and sold to the highest bidders.
What to See in Boscoreale
Now let's discover what there is to see in Boscoreale. Among the religious architecture, there are the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of Santa Maria Salòme, the Chapel of Mary SS. of Montevergine, the Congregation of the Holy Rosary, and the parish church of Santa Candida.
Among the civil architecture, there is the beautiful De Prisco-Albano Palace and Zurlo Palace, which are part of Boscoreale's cultural heritage. The Minerva Cinema and Theater, on the other hand, is a wonderful place for fans of theatrical performances.
The monument to the fallen, located in the city center, is a place of reflection and memory for the community of Boscoreale.
For art and history enthusiasts, the Boscoreale Antiquarium is a museum that collects important archaeological artifacts from the excavations of Roman rustic villas.
The Roman Villas of Boscoreale
Finally, it is impossible to talk about Boscoreale without mentioning the splendid Roman rustic villas, including the Villa Regina. These archaeological sites were discovered thanks to the excavations of the 19th century, and many of the excavated artifacts are kept in museums around the world, such as the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
In short, Boscoreale is a city with a rich cultural heritage, just steps from the crater of Vesuvius. Thanks to its excellences, this city represents an unmissable destination for tourists and for all those who want to discover the beauties of the Campania territory.
