Torre del Greco benefits from its close proximity to the famous sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius, and it is also within easy reach of the popular city of Naples.

Torre del Greco is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Naples in Italy, with a population of c. 85,000 as of 2016. The locals are sometimes called Corallini because of the once plentiful coral in the nearby sea, and because the city has been a major producer of coral jewellery and cameo brooches since the seventeenth century.

HIGLIGHTS

Torre del Greco is a commune within the greater Metropolitan area of Naples on the western coast of mainland Italy. This commune is famous for its harvesting and production of coral and the waters surrounding Torre del Greco have always had an abundance of this natural invertebrate. Throughout the town centre you can find a myriad of stores selling fabulous coral jewellery and it is a prized commodity in this region of Italy.

This commune was originally colonised by ancient Greek settlers and was part of Magna Graecia – in ancient times Torre del Greco would have been connected to the historical city of Herculaneum. During the Roman era, the magnificent Villa Sora was built here and Torre del Greco would have served as an important retreat for various imperial families. Throughout the town and the surrounding region you can find other Roman remains such as baths and villa complexes.

Main sights

• Roman archaeological remains, including the so-called Villa Sora (1st century AD), probably a property of the Flavians.
• The monastery of the Zoccolanti, with a cloister housing 28 frescoed panels depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
• The parish church of Santa Croce, whose baroque belltower was buried by lava in 1794.
• The 17th-century church of San Michele.
• Villa delle Ginestre, where the poet Giacomo Leopardi sojourned.
• The Museum of Coral.

Cameos and coral jewellery

Diving for coral has taken place in the Mediterranean Sea ever since Roman times, and in the 15th century Torre del Greco became known for its coral diving and harvesting of red coral. However, it was not until the 17th century that the first cameos were produced, and not until 1815 that a unique manufacturing contract was granted to the town by the King of Naples for a period of ten years.

At present there are several hundred companies and several thousands of people employed in the manufacture of coral and shell cameos. Coral is now mainly imported from Asia, since areas in the Mediterranean are increasingly becoming protected. The total industry is estimated to have a turnover of around US$225 million.

The Museum of Coral

The museum is located in the heart of the town centre on the Corso Avezzana and is within a short walking distance of the Piazza Santa Croce.

Within this museum you can find an absolutely beautiful display of Coral Jewellery spanning back several hundred years.

Examples of the items displayed include a 19th century medallion depicting Cupid’s Forge and a Mongolian helmet from the 19th century adorned with Coral decoration.

Basilica di Santa Croce

This basilica is located on the Piazza of the same name in the centre of Torre del Greco and has a neoclassical design.

The front facade is white-washed and has three imposing black doors and a sweeping curved portico.

On the inside of the church, there is some simply stunning decoration such as the great altar complete with its gold trimmings and depiction of Jesus on the cross, or the Chapel of the Holy Cross that contains some colourful statues of the Virgin Mary.

Piazza Santa Croce

This is one of the most important squares in the commune and located on this Piazza is the aforementioned Basilica di Santa Croce.

The Piazza Santa Croce is always busy and it is one of the main thoroughfares within the town centre.

Many locals often gather here, particularly of the older generation to have a chat and catch up on the latest gossip.

Take a trip to the top of Mount Vesuvius

Torre del Greco sits at the base of Mount Vesuvius and this small commune is dominated by this magnificent natural volcano.

Mount Vesuvius is known for its devastating eruption that covered both Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. This volcano stands at an elevation of 1281 metres and is one of the tallest in the country.

It is possible to take guided tours to Mount Vesuvius and to hike or drive to the top of its smoking crater.

Take a trip to the ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii is another fascinating historical site that is only a short train or bus journey from Torre del Greco.

You can reach the ruins of the city of Pompeii in less than 20 minutes along the busy A3 route.

Pompeii was devastated and its inhabitants wiped out during the fatal eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city however was preserved due to the thick layer of ash that covered the structures.

Today you can visit the ruins and see some of the marvellous structures such as the amphitheatre, the temple of Jupiter and the house of the faun.