Welcome to Villa Campolieto, one of the wonderful 18th-century Vesuvian Villas, located in the beautiful setting of the Miglio d'Oro, between Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. This magnificent residence is an extraordinary example of architecture from the period and offers a fascinating journey through the aristocratic life of the Kingdom of Naples. The villa is a masterpiece designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, the renowned creator of the Royal Palace of Caserta, and was later completed by his pupil Mario Gioffredo.

The Miglio d'Oro is famous for its concentration of sumptuous villas built in the 18th century, when Neapolitan aristocracy chose this coastline as the ideal place for summer retreats. Villa Campolieto, commissioned by the Duke of Casacalenda, Don Luzio De Sangro, is among the most majestic and best-preserved of these residences. The villa is set in a panoramic position, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, spanning from Vesuvius to Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula.

The villa unfolds around a spacious U-shaped honor courtyard, welcoming visitors with its imposing facade. The architectural design harmoniously blends Baroque and Rococo styles, distinguished by the elegance of its forms and the richness of its details. The main facade is embellished with large windows and a central balcony, which imparts a sense of solemnity and hospitality.

Crossing the main gate, one is immersed in a world of luxury and beauty. The interior spaces of the villa are decorated with frescoes, stuccos, and exquisite period furnishings that testify to the refined taste of its patron and the nobility of the time. The layout of the villa follows a symmetrical scheme, with a large double-height central hall, illuminated by large windows overlooking the sea.

The heart of the villa is the Hall of Festivities, a majestic space used for receptions and balls, typical of the Neapolitan high society of the 18th century. The hall is decorated with frescoes depicting mythological and allegorical scenes, celebrating the power and glory of the De Sangro family. The ceiling, adorned with gilded stuccos, is an extraordinary example of the artistic mastery of the period.

This space represented the focal point of the villa's social life, where sumptuous banquets and parties for the Neapolitan elite were held. The large glass doors opening onto the garden allow natural light to flood the room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere, perfect for summer celebrations.

From the villa, one accesses the Italian garden, an elegant green space rich in geometric flower beds, statues, and fountains. The garden extends to a panoramic terrace that offers an extraordinary view of the gulf, framed by the silhouette of Vesuvius. This terrace represented the perfect spot for walks and moments of relaxation, immersed in the beauty of the natural and architectural landscape.

From the garden, the gaze sweeps towards the sea, and the view stretches unobstructed to the horizon, creating a sense of peace and harmony. This green space was conceived not only as a place of beauty but also as an extension of the villa's social activities, where nobles could organize outdoor dinners, conversations, and moments of leisure.

Inside the villa, the Noble Apartments, used by the De Sangro family and their distinguished guests, can be found. These private rooms are decorated with frescoes and luxurious furnishings, reflecting the sumptuous lifestyle of the aristocracy of the time. The bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms were spaces where the nobility spent their days in complete relaxation, surrounded by art and beauty.

Each room was meticulously curated, with fine tapestries, paintings by local artists, and furniture crafted by the best artisans of the time. The windows of the apartments overlook the garden and the panoramic terrace, offering residents a continuous view of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Like many aristocratic residences of the time, Villa Campolieto also features a Private Chapel, dedicated to the personal devotion of the family. This finely decorated small church was the place where the family and guests could retreat for prayer and private religious celebrations.

The chapel is adorned with frescoes and stuccos that evoke themes of spirituality and piety, and it exemplifies the deep religiosity that permeated the life of the 18th-century aristocracy. Here too, the architectural elegance and decorative richness testify to the prestige of the family residing in the villa.

After centuries of abandonment and decay, Villa Campolieto underwent a remarkable restoration starting in the 1970s, under the direction of the Authority for Vesuvian Villas. This intervention has allowed the villa to regain its ancient splendor, making it once again accessible to the public. Today, Villa Campolieto is a place where history, art, and architecture merge, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Neapolitan aristocracy in the 18th century.

The villa regularly hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and ceremonies, and is a key stop for those wishing to learn about the historical and artistic heritage of the Miglio d'Oro and the Vesuvian Villas.

Villa Campolieto is a living testimony of the greatness and luxury of Neapolitan aristocratic life in the 18th century. Thanks to its magnificent garden, elegant interior decorations, and breathtaking location, this residence remains one of the architectural jewels of the Miglio d'Oro. Visiting it will allow you to immerse yourself in an era of splendor and refinement, rediscovering the deep bond between art, nature, and architecture.