The Golden Mile is a historic stretch of the Strada Statale 18 Tirrena Inferiore, also known as the Strada Regia delle Calabrie, extending between Herculaneum and Torre del Greco. This evocative name derives from the presence of sumptuous 18th-century villas and lush citrus gardens that characterize the area.
The history of the Golden Mile begins in the 18th century when Charles of Bourbon, captivated by the beauty of the landscape and the mild climate, decided to build the Royal Palace of Portici. This act attracted the Neapolitan aristocracy, who commissioned the construction of magnificent summer residences along this road, relying on renowned architects such as Luigi Vanvitelli and Ferdinando Fuga. Today, the Golden Mile is a cultural and tourist itinerary of great charm, showcasing the rich historical and artistic heritage of the Vesuvian region, especially through some splendid 18th-century villas that are still well-preserved.
The most important villas, such as Villa Campolieto, Villa Favorita, Villa delle Ginestre, and Villa Ruggiero, are managed by the Ente Ville Vesuviane Foundation, established in 1971 and transformed into a foundation in 2009. This foundation promotes restoration projects and cultural initiatives, helping to keep the history and beauty of these extraordinary residences alive.