The so called Golden Mile

Richness of landscapes and historic villas in a mile

The territory that extends at the foot of Vesuvio, is very rich in splendid villas dating from the 18th century and constructed after the Bourbon King Carlo installed himself in the Palace at Portici. These homes have great historic/artistic relevance. The construction of the Vesuvian Villas was carried out by some of the most famous architects of the Baroque period. Authentic stars of architecture at the time, they built a handful of magnificent Patrician villas around the royal family residence. Some of these can be visited today. Artists and architects such as Vaccaro, Medrano, Fuga, Vanvitelli were elated by the natural beauty of the area and created residences that are absolute jewels and are set between the sea and the green mountain of Vesuvius with gardens, balconies, and cupolas in perfect harmony and seeming like stage settings. All of the Vesuvian Villas show examples that are typical of the taste and style of the Baroque and Rococo styles and have interiors that are richly decorated with frescoes and plaster-work of the highest quality of the period.

Painted ceilings, magnificent artwork and wall decorations that often depict scenes, views, and landscapes of the area surrounding the villas. Some of the homes that are offered by Amalfi Coast Accommodation contain, in a much simpler sense, these same 16th century traditions, with painted ceilings and rich stucco work. Balconies, enclosure walls and parapets were among the most important decorative elements in patrician architecture, and still today, many examples of these can be found in the homes of the area. Unfortunately, most of the Vesuvian Villas are now privately owned and no longer open to visitors. Among those which are accessible, Villa Campolieto is not to be missed. It is situated in the city of Ercolano. The main part of the building is linked to a magnificent elliptical colonnade by a majestic entry staircase and a cupola that covers a really beautiful vestibule. During the summer season The Festival Of The Vesuvian Villas is held at Villa Campolieto. This international theatre exhibition offers the participants the opportunity to enjoy - like an aristocrat of the 18th century - the incomparable scenario of the colonnade and the scenography of the era that is absolutely without equal.