In the Shadow of Vesuvius: The Bay of Naples

The extraordinary Roman sites in the Bay of Naples have been regenerated in recent years. This beautiful stretch of coast, developed in the Roman era by elites and emperors in search of leisure, has witnessed exciting new archaeological activities, and an unprecedented number of newly opened sites. While much attention has been given to the wonderful new excavations of Pompeii, much less has been said about the opening of new sections of Herculaneum, the opening of Roman sites in Positano and Boscoreale, and the excavations taking place in Terzigno and Somma Vesuviana.

Join Andante to discover a fresh take on the Romans in the Bay of Naples, taking into consideration these discoveries and sites, and offering an up-to-date examination of this prosperous and beautiful part of the ancient world. There has never been a better time to visit the towns in the shadow of Vesuvius with the advantage of it being a less crowded time of year.

Positano & Amalfi

The picturesque town of Positano, located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area was first settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, but it was during the Roman era that Positano began to flourish. The Romans were captivated by the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and established luxurious villas and resorts in the region.

Evidence of Positano’s Roman past can still be seen today. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient villas, including the famous Villa Romana. This villa, buried under the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Roman elite. Visitors can explore the ruins and marvel at the well-preserved frescoes and architectural details.

Discovered under the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Roman Villa and museum is one of many opulent coastal villas built along the Bay of Naples, may have been owned by the gladiator Posides, who was a slave freed by the emperor Claudius. After a period of restoration, the villa has only recently been opened to the public. On the Amalfi Coast, explore the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The cathedral has magnificent bronze doors from the 11th century, the earliest in Italy after the Roman period, and a wonderful Romanesque campanile decorated with Majolica tiles and interlacing arches. We proceed to the Arabic style 13th century Cloister of Paradise which has a wonderful peristyle, as well as 13th century frescoes.

Naples

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Naples, known as Napoli in Italian, is deeply intertwined with that of the ancient Romans. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Naples became a significant cultural and commercial hub. When the Romans took control of the city in the 4th century BC, they further developed it into a prominent part of their empire. Under Roman rule, Naples flourished as a centre of the arts. The Romans built grand structures, including theatres, aqueducts and public baths, many of which still stand today. The city’s strategic location along the coast made it an important port for trade and military purposes. Additionally, Naples was known for its luxurious villas and estates, which were popular among wealthy Romans seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome.

Naples is brimming with ancient archaeological artefacts from the height of the Roman Empire. The Museum of Archaeology in Naples is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. The museum is particularly renowned for its extensive collection of Roman artefacts from the nearby sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae, which were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Also of notable interest is the church of Santa Chiara, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Built in the early 14th century, it is part of a larger religious complex that includes a monastery, tombs, and museum. The church is renowned for its beautiful cloister, adorned with vibrant 18th-century majolica tiles depicting scenes of daily life and nature. Inside, visitors can admire the serene atmosphere, historical frescoes, and the impressive Baroque decorations added in later centuries.

Herculaneum

When Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, Herculaneum was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash and mud, which preserved much of the town’s architecture and artefacts remarkably well.

The nature of the eruption has meant that organic materials have survived, making this a more poignant site than Pompeii: here we see a wonderfully preserved wine shop, the stunning House of the Stags with its pergola overlooking the sea and many fragments which attest to the everyday life in this upmarket city. Excavations have revealed well-preserved wooden structures, furniture, and even food, providing a unique glimpse into Roman life. Today, Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists interested in history and archaeology.

In Boscoreale, the Villa Regina was discovered in the late 20th century while digging for the foundations of council housing. In contrast to the opulent villas we have seen on other days, this is a modest small holding which provides us with evidence of how ordinary Romans lived. The Museum of Archaeology at Terzigno houses precious remains and frescoes of three ancient farms destroyed by the AD 79 earthquake and excavated only recently.