San Gennaro Vesuviano

Ancient history

The comune of San Gennaro Vesuviano is positioned in the site of the Pianura Campana (the Campania Plain – once named the Planum Palmae), surrounded by the Vesuvius and Monte Sant’Angelo.

Archeological findings date early settlements back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, when a sudden eruption of the Vesuvius wiped out the ancient communities settled in the area. Only several centuries later did new settlers repopulate the area.

17th century

The area remained uninhabited until 1631, when the Count of San Valentino and Marquis of Lauro donated it to the monastic Order of Friars Minor, who built here a convent; the inhabited center which grew around it was initially a neighbourhood of Palma Campania and later a self-governing entity by decree of King Ferdinand II of Two Sicilies. The Marquis also enstablished the local Fair which is held every year in name of Saint Januarius

Nazi occupation and Allies arrival

During the Nazi occupation, a young man was executed by Nazi soldiers because he was found outside during curfew. Several livestock were seized by the German armed forces and consequently killed. The area of Pozzo Pagnotti was bomed by USA forces while a British fighter plane was taken down and fell near Via Musiello, killing the pilot.

On 9 September the Allies arrived in Salerno and on the 28th the English forces reached San Gennaro Vesuviano. The men were those from the 46th Infantry Division under the command of Major-General John Hawkesworth. A group of local inhabitants went to meet the newly arrived English forces, warning them about the location of land mines previously placed around the area by German forces.