Ottaviano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ottaviano
Uttajano (Neapolitan)
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Frazioni | Giacobbi, Iervolini, Furchi, Raggi, San Gennarello, Zabatta, San Leonardo |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19.8 km2 (7.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 220 m (720 ft) |
| Population
(31 July 2015)
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| • Total | 23,934 |
| • Density | 1,208.8/km2 (3,131/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Ottavianesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
80044
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| Dialing code | 081 |
| Patron saint | St. Michael |
| Saint day | 8 May |
Ottaviano (called Uttajano in Neapolitan) is a town in Italy. It's located in the Metropolitan City of Naples in the Campania region. Ottaviano is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Naples. It is part of the area around Mount Vesuvius.
A large part of the Mount Vesuvius crater is within Ottaviano's territory. The town was badly damaged during the volcano's eruption in 1944. Today, the Medici Castle in Ottaviano is home to the main office of the Vesuvius National Park.
Contents
History of Ottaviano
Ancient Roman Times
Ottaviano was once a small group of houses in Roman times. It was part of a huge estate owned by the gens Octavia. This was the family of Augustus, a famous Roman Emperor.
The area saw a battle in 90 BC during the Social War. This war was fought between different groups in ancient Italy. Later, in 73 BC, the famous gladiator Spartacus won a battle here.
The village, then called Octavianum, grew over time. Some historians believe Emperor Augustus actually died here. His body was then moved to Nola. Volcano eruptions buried many Roman ruins. But archaeologists have found old buildings and tombs in the town.
Medieval and Renaissance Periods
In 1085, Pope Gregory VII visited Ottaviano. He held a special church service at the old baronial castle. This castle is now known as the Palazzo Mediceo. Many different lords and barons ruled the town during this time. In the 1200s, it was owned by the grandfather of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
In 1304, during the Angevin rule of Naples, the town faced a difficult time. King Charles II ordered the village to be attacked. This happened because a local officer was killed.
Between 1532 and 1551, the town was given to Fabrizio Maramaldo. He received it for his service to Emperor Charles V. Later, in 1567, the town became part of the de' Medici family's lands. This family was related to the Grand Duke Cosimo de' Medici. The de' Medici family owned Ottaviano until 1860. Their lands also included the nearby towns of Terzigno and San Giuseppe Vesuviano.
Vesuvius Eruptions and Modern History
Ottaviano has often suffered from eruptions of Mount Vesuvius. The town was almost completely covered by ash in 1631, 1779, and 1906. Sir William Hamilton said Ottaviano was "buried like Pompeii" in the first two eruptions. Matilde Serao called it "the new Pompeii" after the third one. In the 1906 eruption, the roof of the main church collapsed. Luckily, no one was killed.
In the 1980s, Ottaviano became known as the main base for a powerful criminal group. However, the people of Ottaviano today are strongly against organized crime. They have chosen to call their town the "City of Peace."
Notable people
- Gaetano Manfredi, a teacher and politician. He has been the Mayor of Naples since 2021.
