Torre Annunziata, the ancient Roman city named Oplontis and buried during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, was a suburban quarter where marvelous villas were built along the coast and around a hot-spring spa; some remains can still be seen, such as the Villa of Poppea, one of the most interesting Roman residences ever excavated in Italy.
The city's industrial tradition is demonstrated by the 18th-century Real Fabbrica d'armi (Royal Arms Factory) and its famous production of pasta that began at the beginning of the 20th century and grew rapidly.
Torre Annunziata is also a spa destination because of the presence of the important Terme Vesuviane complex, active since Roman times; in fact, the ruins of the thermal station of that period are visible below the current structure.