Campania

Italy’s Densely Populated Gem

Overview of Campania

Campania is recognised as Italy’s most densely populated region, covering an area of 13,595 square kilometres and home to approximately 5.8 million people. Geographically, it shares borders with Lazio to the northwest, Molise to the north, Puglia to the northeast and Basilicata to the southeast. The region boasts a remarkable 350 kilometres of coastline, featuring the gulfs of Naples, Salerno and Policastro. The Flegrean Islands—including Ischia, Procida, Vivara, Capri and Nisida—are also part of Campania, and are sometimes referred to as the Napolitan Islands.

The Name and Landscape

The name ‘Campania’ comes from the Latin ‘Campania Felix’, which means ‘Fertile Countryside’—a term that fittingly describes the region. Campania is celebrated for its stunning countryside, which includes the Cilento National Park, the renowned Island of Capri, the picturesque Sorrento Peninsula and the iconic Amalfi Coast.

History and Culture

Naples, the capital of Campania, once served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Naples, overseeing all of southern Italy. Later, it became the centre of Bourbon rule until the unification of Italy in 1860. The region is steeped in culture and history, with Naples standing out for its food, wine, music and architecture. Notable landmarks include the grand palace at Caserta and the famous archaeological sites of Pompei, Herculaneum and Paestum.

The City of Naples

Naples is a vibrant and colourful city, renowned for its individuality. The city is remarkable for having more royal palaces than Paris, more world-class museums than Florence, and nearly as many churches as Rome. Its lively eastern-style bazaars are unmatched in Europe outside of Istanbul. Notably, Mount Vesuvius—the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the past hundred years—looms over Naples. While dormant now, its presence remains a striking feature of the city.

Cuisine and Local Produce

When people imagine Italian food, it is often the cuisine of Campania that comes to mind. Dishes such as spaghetti with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, seafood, stuffed eggplant, salads, pizza, wine, espresso, coffee and crunchy pastries are found at their finest here. Dining in even the simplest trattoria or pizzeria in Campania can make it difficult to enjoy so-called Italian food elsewhere. The region’s volcanic soil imparts extraordinary flavour to fruits and vegetables, making everything from peaches to tomatoes, potatoes and lemons taste exceptional. Campania also boasts the third most pasta varieties in Italy.

Wines of Campania

Some of Campania’s best wines are named after their places of origin—such as Capri, Ischia, Procida and Ravello. The provinces of Benevento and Avellino, situated inland, produce many substantial wines with ancient pedigree, including the renowned Fiano di Avellino, considered one of southern Italy’s finest. Other prominent grape varieties found in Campania include Aglianico, Biancolella, Coda di Volpe, Falanghina, Greco di Tufo and Taurasi.

Cheeses of Campania

Campania offers an impressive variety of cheeses, including Caciocavallo Silano, Cacioricotta del Cilento, Conciato Romano, Fiori di Latte di Agerola, Mozzarella Campana, as well as various Pecorino cheeses from different provinces. Provolone and Scamorza are also well-known cheeses from the region.