The Vesuvius National Park was officially designated on June 5TH 1995, in order to protect the last-remaining active volcanic complex in Europe. The aims of the Park are:

conservation of its fauna, flora and geomorphologic structures;
application of administration and environmental protection programmes;
promotion of educational, recreational and sustainable research activities;
reconstitution and defence of hydraulic and hydrogeological balances in the area;
promotion of traditional cultural, agricultural and craftwork activities.
The Park is situated in the province of Naples, and extends 8,482 hectares across the territory of 13 municipalities: Boscoreale, Boscotrecase, Ercolano, Massa di Somma, Ottaviano, Pollena Trocchia, Sant’Anastasia, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Somma Vesuviana, Terzigno, Torre del Greco and Trecase.

It also includes two European Community Sites of Importance, a Special Protection Zone, a Wilderness area and a National Forest Reserve; proof of the extraordinary natural and environmental interest that this territory attracts.

The Park is also guardian of a rich cultural and folkloric patrimony, comprising religious celebrations, dances, songs and music which testify the history of the people of Vesuvius, and highly regarded coral, lava stone and copper craftsmanship.