Somma Vesuviana
Welcome to Somma Vesuviana: a Campanian town full of history and natural beauty
Welcome to Somma Vesuviana, a town with approximately 33,568 inhabitants in the heart of the metropolitan city of Naples in Campania. The town lies within the Vesuvius National Park, only 16 km away from the capital city, and boasts ancient origins. In fact, numerous archaeological findings demonstrate the presence of settlements dating back to the Roman era, including one of the largest Roman villas where it is believed that Emperor Caesar Augustus died.
Discovering Somma Vesuviana's territory
The municipal territory of Somma Vesuviana extends from 50 to 700 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Vesuvian villages and slopes of the volcano. The Casamale, the city's oldest district, is surrounded by the Aragonese walls and still preserves the rustic charm of times gone by. However, new studies have shown that it was not the first inhabited nucleus of the city, as evidenced by the presence of the church outside the Aragonese walls.
The Ethnohistorical Museum of the Campanian People, located in the ancient convent of the Carmelite Sisters next to the Santa Maria a Castello sanctuary, documents the history and culture of the Campanian people through objects, clothes, tools, and photographs that tell the story of life in the past.
The church of Santa Maria del Pozzo is particularly charming, located in a panoramic area of the city and surrounded by a large green area with olive and fig trees. Near the church, there is also a Museum of Peasant Art that collects many daily use objects from the past civilization.
Taste of Somma Vesuviana
The territory of Somma Vesuviana is famous for its delicious and genuine food products, thanks to the extreme fertility of the land due to the Vesuvius ash. The Vesuvius cherry tomatoes, apricots, and grapes are among the typical and valuable products of the area. In addition, an excellent table wine is produced that accompanies various recipes, including the baccalà alla napoletana, the absolute star of the gastronomic event held every year during the second weekend of October.
The climate of Somma Vesuviana
The climate of Somma Vesuviana is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. Thanks to its high and intermediate position between the sea and Vesuvius, the city enjoys a cool and breezy climate during the summer season.
The history of Somma Vesuviana
The history of Somma Vesuviana is closely linked to its geographical location, on the ancient slopes of Vesuvius and between the military powers of Nola and Naples, constantly fighting against each other. The first mentions of the place were made by Cicero in his "De Officiis" and by Valerius Maximus in the "Memorabilia". Later, in 184 BC, the Roman Senate sent as an arbiter Quinto Fabio Labeone who decided not to modify the already drawn borders and to allocate that strip of land to direct administration by Rome.
In the urban evolution of Somma Vesuviana, its high and intermediate position between the military powers of Nola and Naples, constantly fighting against each other, always had significant importance. Over time, the city developed thanks to the cultivation of vegetable gardens and the production of valuable products such as fruit, wine, and oil.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Somma Vesuviana is a Campanian town boasting an ancient history and a varied and suggestive territory. If you are curious to discover the beauty of Campania beyond the usual tourist destinations, you cannot miss a visit to Somma Vesuviana. Discover the natural beauty of the Vesuvius National Park, savor the genuine flavors of local products, admire the ancient walls, and visit museums that tell the history and culture of the Campanian people. Somma Vesuviana is waiting for you!
