The comune of San Gennaro Vesuviano is positioned in the site of the Pianura Campana (the Campania Plain – once named the Planum Palmae), surrounded by the Vesuvius and Monte Sant’Angelo.

Archeological findings date early settlements back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, when a sudden eruption of the Vesuvius wiped out the ancient communities settled in the area.

The area remained uninhabited until 1631, when the Count of San Valentino and Marquis of Lauro donated it to the monastic Order of Friars Minor, who built here a convent; the inhabited center which grew around it was initially a neighbourhood of Palma Campania and later a self-governing entity by decree of King Ferdinand II of Two Sicilies.

The area of Pozzo Pagnotti was bombed by USA forces while a British fighter plane was taken down and fell near Via Musiello, killing the pilot.

Despite the overpopulation, agriculture is still performed by local farmers and small landowners: activities include hazelnut, grain and tobacco growing (nicotina tabacum: indigenous of North-America) as well as vineyards Pig and cow breeding are not relevant industries.