Villa delle Ginestre, the residence in which Giacomo Leopardi lived

Torre del Greco preserves an architectural heritage of great value, comprising historic villas linked to the cultural and artistic life of the area. Among these, Villa delle Ginestre stands out, originally known as Villa Ferrigni, a place associated with the figure of Giacomo Leopardi.

It was here that the poet from Recanati spent the last years of his life and composed some of his most intense works, including The Broom (La Ginestra), written in the spring of 1836 and chosen to give its name to both the villa and the nearby railway station.

Let’s find out where it is located and how to visit it.

Villa delle Ginestre and the role of Antonio Ranieri

During Leopardi’s Neapolitan period, Antonio Ranieri played a central role. The poet met him in Florence in 1831, and a deep bond soon developed between the two, founded on sincere friendship and a long, intense correspondence. When Ranieri returned to Naples, Leopardi decided to follow him, hoping that the milder climate would ease his health problems.

In 1836, Naples was struck by a severe cholera epidemic. To escape the contagion, Leopardi moved with Ranieri and the latter’s sister to Torre del Greco, to Villa Ferrigni, owned by Ranieri’s brother-in-law, Giuseppe Ferrigni. The villa, built in the late 17th century, became the poet’s final refuge, where he remained until 1837.

Between Vesuvius and the sea

Villa delle Ginestre enjoys an evocative location, with Vesuvius behind it and the sea in front, a natural setting that profoundly influenced the poet’s sensibility. Over time, the mansion also hosted other illustrious figures: according to tradition, Luigi Vanvitelli designed the staircase leading to the upper floor.

The most significant room in the villa is undoubtedly the Poet’s Room, preserved with its original furnishings and the same arrangement of objects as in Leopardi’s time. This decision was taken by Antonio Carafa, who inherited the villa in 1907 and oversaw its restoration, deliberately excluding the poet’s room in order to preserve its authenticity.

Other items of interest include:

• A solar sundial bearing the Latin motto “Sine sole sileo”, meaning “Without the sun, I am silent”;
• The portico, also built at Carafa’s initiative, with columns supporting the upper terrace;
• A mechanical seismograph, evidence of the scientific interests of the period.

Where Villa delle Ginestre is located

Villa delle Ginestre is located in Torre del Greco, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and a short distance from the sea, in a stunning natural setting.

The villa is owned by the University of Naples Federico II and is managed by the Fondazione Ente Ville Vesuviane, which oversees its preservation, public access, and enhancement through guided tours and cultural events.

How to get to Villa delle Ginestre

Reaching the Villa of Giacomo Leopardi is easy, either by public transport or by car.

By public transport

• From Naples or Sorrento, take the EAV train and get off at the Villa delle Ginestre stop;
• At the station exit, there is a Line E bus stop, which runs every 30 minutes in the early part of the day and every hour in the afternoon;
• Get off at the intersection of John XXIII° Street and Chiazzolelle Street;
• From there, take Villa delle Ginestre Street and walk for about 150 metres.

It is also possible to walk to the villa from the station, but the route is uphill and approximately 1.5 km long.

By car

• Exit at Torre Annunziata Nord;
• Turn right onto the SS18 and continue towards Villa Macrina;
• Take John XXIII° Street, then turn right at the intersection with Chiazzolelle Street and Villa delle Ginestre Street.

There is no dedicated parking in the area; it is recommended to park along John XXIII° Street where possible.

Schedules and tickets

Before visiting, it is always advisable to check whether the villa is open, as it may be temporarily closed to the public. In general:

• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm;
• Entrance fee: €6.50 per person;
• Group visits: available for groups of at least 20 people,

The villa also frequently hosts cultural events, meetings and exhibitions.

*Cover image, credits to fondazione ente ville vesuviane.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini