Torre del Greco is one of the most populous city of the Campania region, famous all over the world for artistically working coral along with cameos and mother-of-pearl.
It is located on the slopes of Vesuvius and has been destroyed several times by its eruptions (for this reason its coat-of-arms displays the motto of the Phoenix: "Post fata resurgo" - I return to life after misfortune-).
Conquered by the Arabs and Swabians, the most important monuments of the city were built between XVII and XVIII century, as for example Villa Vallelonga, Villa del Cardinale and Villa Macrina. The Monastery of Zoccolanti was built in 1500's on the ruins of a earlier complex building; it preserves 28 frescoed panels which represent the life and the preaching of St. Francis from Assisi.
The city has been known as a resort since ancient times due to its very gentle climate and air made healthy by the woods that surround it. Moreover, illustrious clinics have always recommended it for its therapeutic qualities. In fact, Giacomo Leopardi lived here for a long time, in what today is called Villa delle Ginestre, trying to cure his dropsy.