Campania

If you want to see Vesuvius (Vesuvio), head to Campania. At its foot lie the lava-destroyed Pompeii (Pompei), unearthed and revived by archaeologists a couple of centuries ago. Nearby is Naples (Napoli) – a major seaport and the capital of the region.

Other attractions in Campania include the palace of the Neapolitan kings in Caserta, the church of St. Sophia in Benevento. Many beaches, cozy bays, fertile fields, islands with thermal waters, mountains, and cliffs also exist.

Geography

Campania is located southwest of the Apennine Peninsula (Penisola appenninica). The region stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea (mar Tirreno) coast from Lazio (Lazio) in the north to Basilicata (Basilicata) in the south.

The region’s capital is Naples, located 230 km from Rome (Roma), heading southeast. The area of the region exceeds 13,500 km². 86% of Campania consists of mountains and hills. The rest are plains. There are 4 volcanoes in its territory. The most famous, Vesuvius, is part of the Apennine mountain system, and its height is 1281 meters. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet. The last eruption, which destroyed 2 cities, occurred in 1944. The height of the lava fountain from the central crater exceeded 800 meters.

Campania has another large volcanic area – the Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei). It is located to the west of Naples, in the Gulf of Pozzuoli (Golfo di Pozzuoli). Here, underwater, there are 24 craters, hydrothermal activity is observed, and volcanic gases are released. The magma is so close to the surface that the ground often moves up and down, making it dangerous to live here.

Provinces

The region consists of 5 provinces:

1. The Metropolitan City of Naples. This is the most densely populated area in Italy. The population exceeds 3 million people. The region is located southwest of Campania and shares borders with all the provinces. The Tyrrhenian Sea washes its western shores, and Vesuvius is in the center. The region comprises 92 municipalities, covering an area of 1171 km².
2. Salerno. The province is located to the south of Naples. It is mountainous, with Monte Cervati being the highest point at 1899 meters. To the west lies the Amalfi Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where Jacqueline Kennedy, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, and Leonardo Di Caprio have vacationed.
3. Caserta. The province lies to the north of Naples. It is home to the famous residence of the Neapolitan kings. To the west is the Tyrrhenian Sea.
4. Benevento. This area is northeast of Naples. There is no sea but many mountains and thermal and mineral springs.
5. Avellino. The province is located to the east of Naples. There is no coastal area but many ski resorts and rivers.

Islands

Campania includes islands located in the Bay of Naples:

• Capri. Initially, it was part of the Sorrento Peninsula. Then water separated it from the mainland through the Bocca Piccola strait.
• Li Galli. This archipelago in the Positano area consists of 3 uninhabited islands.
• The Phlegraean Archipelago (Isole Flegree). It includes islands of volcanic origin – Nisida, Procida, and Vivara. The fourth, Ischia (Ischia), covers an area of 46 km² and is one of the most populated islands in the country, with a population of 61,000 people.
• Megaride. The island is located in Naples. The Greeks founded their first colonies here in the 9th century BC, marking the beginning of the city’s history. According to legend, the sea cast the dying siren Parthenope ashore here after she failed to seduce Odysseus and decided to drown.

History of Campania

Early History

Archaeologists assert that Neanderthals once inhabited the lands of Campania. Millennia later, ancient Greeks settled here, beginning their colonization with the island of Ischia. They then founded several cities along the coast, which played a significant role in forming Roman society. Moreover, the origins of the Latin alphabet can be traced back to the ancient Greek colony of Cumae, located in what is now Naples.
The Greeks settled along the coast, while the Etruscans occupied the rest of Naples. The Romans took notice of the area and took control of the territory after the three Samnite Wars (343-290 BC). Here, influential people built summer villas and houses.

Trading ships from all over the Mediterranean gathered here, making Campania one of the richest regions of the empire.

The Middle Ages

In the 5th century AD, the Lombards (Longobardi) arrived in Campania and founded the Duchy of Benevento. When their capital, Pavia, fell, the region became a principality. In the 11th century, it was annexed to the Papal States.

In 536, Naples fell to Byzantium but soon rebelled and formed an independent state. Similar entities appeared in Gaeta, Sorrento, and Amalfi. In the 11th century, the Normans took over most of Campania, incorporating it into the Kingdom of Sicily (Regno di Sicilia).

Modern History

In the 18th century, the lands of Naples came under Bourbon rule. Under the reign of Charles I, the city became powerful, and the famous palace in Caserta was built. In 1816, the region became the center of the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Regno delle Due Sicilie) – the most significant state on the Apennine Peninsula.

As Part of Italy

Campania actively participated in the unrest for the unification of Italy. In 1861, the region was annexed to the newly formed state. This marked the beginning of a period of decline and robbery. In the 20th century, the local population supported the regime of Benito Mussolini.

When Naples was liberated from fascism, it became the capital of Italy until the Germans were driven out of Rome. After the war, many residents of Campania migrated to the north. Currently, the region thrives thanks to tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

Attractions of Campania

Campania is among the top 20 most visited places in Europe. Tourists most often go to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum (Ercolano). Many ascend to the crater of the dangerous volcano, and those who prefer the sea head to the Amalfi coast or one of the numerous resorts. The Royal Palace of Caserta is a must-visit on the itinerary.

Naples

The administrative center of Campania is located on the coast of the Gulf of Naples (Golfo di Napoli). The city spreads across hills, the highest of which, Collina dei Camaldoli, reaches 452 m. Naples is situated in a seismically active area. The last devastating earthquake occurred in 1980.

Many attractions have been preserved in excellent condition – medieval fortresses, walls, and the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli). Monasteries are an integral part of Naples. It is even called “the city of 500 domes”. One of the oldest temples in Naples is the Certosa di San Martino (Certosa di San Martino), which was founded in 1386.

Other notable churches include:

• Cathedral of the Assumption of Saint Mary (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta) – 1272.
• Girolamini Church (Chiesa dei Girolamini) – 1592.
• Royal Papal Basilica of Saint Francis of Paola (Basilica reale pontificia di San Francesco di Paola) – 1816.
• Church of Gesù Nuovo (Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo) – 1584.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

It will be incomprehensible if you are in Campania and do not see Pompeii. The city was located at the foot of Vesuvius and was destroyed during the eruption in 79 AD. Along with it, two other settlements – Herculaneum and Stabiae (Stabia) – perished. Pompeii was considered a legend for a long time until archaeological excavations in the 18th century confirmed its existence.

The street layout, houses, and household items have been preserved excellently. Scientists discovered voids formed at the sites of human and animal bodies and filled them with plaster, reconstructing the victims’ death poses. Monuments were restored, excursion routes developed, and opened to tourists.

Salerno

The province of Salerno’s administrative center is one of Italy’s most popular ports. It is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, 50 km south of Naples. Irno and Sale flow through Salerno, from which the city’s name is presumably derived. The climate is mild Mediterranean and moderately hot in summer.

Salerno is an old settlement with references dating back to 199 BC. The Romans created a maritime colony here, turning the port into a customs post. Centuries later, the city became famous thanks to the world’s first medical school, Schola Medica Salernitana (9th century), which is considered the prototype of the university.

There are many churches, the most famous of which are:

• Salerno Cathedral (Cattedrale di Salerno) – 1084.
• Church of Sant’Andrea de Lavina (Chiesa di Sant’Andrea de Lavina) – 9th century.
• Church of Santa Maria de Lama (Chiesa di Santa Maria de Lama) – 10th-11th centuries.
• Church of the Holy Crucifix (Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso) – 12th century.
• Santa Sofia Complex (Complesso monumentale di Santa Sofia) – 10th century.

Caserta

The city is located 27 km north of Naples. Here lies the “Italian Versailles” – the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta), the largest European building constructed in the 18th century. Luxurious halls, marble staircases, rare paintings, fountains, and a botanical garden leave an unforgettable impression.

Be sure to visit the Belvedere of San Leucio, built in the Neapolitan Baroque style of the 18th century. This mini-town was home to people working at a silk factory. The houses were designed with maximum convenience – running water and toilets. Men and women had equal rights, and the elderly received allowances.

Another exciting place in Caserta is Casertavecchia. This medieval village was once the city center. It features the Cathedral of Casertavecchia (Duomo di Casertavecchia), a bell tower, remnants of a castle, and old streets.

Benevento

The city, whose name means “favorable wind,” is located 90 km northeast of Naples. Here, the Romans defeated the Carthaginians twice in the Second Punic War (214 and 212 BC). The climate is typically

Mediterranean. Summers are hot, with an average winter temperature of +7°C.

The city is entirely of ancient monuments, tombs, and vaults. The main fortress, Rocca dei Rettori, was built in the 15th century. The Triumphal Arch of Trajan, erected in 114 AD, is well-preserved. The Roman amphitheater, built in 126 AD, is still used for its original purpose, hosting music and cultural events.

Benevento is home to a church sought after by pilgrims worldwide – the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew the Apostle (Basilica di San Bartolomeo Apostolo), built in 839 AD to house the relics of this saint. Other notable religious buildings include:

• The Church of Santa Sofia – 760 AD.
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Episcopio – 780 AD.
• The Monastery of San Vittorino – 910 AD.

Avellino

The administrative center is located 50 km east of Naples. The city is situated in a volcanic valley surrounded by mountains. The climate is moderate-continental. The average winter temperature is +6°C; in summer, it’s +23°C.

Despite the devastating earthquakes, Avellino has preserved many attractions – aristocratic homes, a castle, a baroque-style clock tower, and even a 16th-century casino. The city has many churches. The city’s main church is the Cathedral of Avellino (Cattedrale di Avellino), built in the 12th century. The church of Santa Anna (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Rifugio), where services and trade deals were held, is fascinating.
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The Amalfi Coast

Located to the south of the Sorrento Peninsula, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Aristocrats have lived here since ancient times, leaving behind many historic villas. Along the coast, there are two dozen settlements. Everything here is immersed in the colors and aromas of oranges and jasmine. The road goes through bays, beaches, and olive groves. It climbs into the mountains and then descends.
Many of the towns within the coastal area are located high in the mountains, so you have to descend to the sea. The coastline cannot boast a large number of sandy beaches. Mainly, there are pebbles here. But the water is clean, beautiful, and straightforward.
The best beaches on the coast are considered to be:

• Duoglio – located 5 min from Amalfi, but with few people. Here, you can rent equipment for windsurfing and kayaks.
• Castiglione – a black sand beach that helps with rheumatism. Located within Ravello.
• Marina di Praia – a pebble beach at the base of a cliff where a watchtower is situated. The place is quiet, slightly crowded, located near Praiano.
• Main beach of Maiori – the beach is sandy and wide. You can sunbathe until 8 pm, the sun does not go into the shade.
• Fiordo di Furore – a wonderful place. The beach is located in a gorge next to vertical cliffs. Rocks often fall down, so the authorities recently closed it for visiting. However, keep an eye on the information. Perhaps the beach will be accessible again.

Winemaking

Campania’s wines were praised by Horace, Pliny, Cicero, and Martial. Among all varieties, they highlighted Falernian (Falerno) wine. This beverage lasts for 15 years and costs four times as much as ordinary wine. Although this variety no longer exists, winemaking in Campania still receives significant attention.

Modern varieties might not be as well-known as those from other Italian regions. Still, they boast numerous IGT, DOC, and four DOCG labels.
Famous white wines include:

• Cutizzi Greco di Tufi;
• Frassitelli Biancolella Ischia DOC;
• Euposia;
• Biancolella.

Reviews suggest that red wines are slightly inferior to whites. Nonetheless, there are many tasty red varieties:

• Bacioilcielo Rosso;
• Donnaluna Fiano;
• Sannio Clanius Aglianico;
• Tre Pietre Aglianico Dop Sannio.

Festivals

When planning your trip, consider local festivals. This can make your journey even more interesting:

• Pizza Festival on the Lungomare Caracciolo promenade in Naples. Chefs from all over the world come here to prove their skills. Not only can you taste pizza, but you can also attend a cooking masterclass. There are playgrounds for children and interesting seminars. Entrance to the festivities is free, but eating pizza requires payment. The festival date changes annually. In 2019, it was held in autumn, and in 2000, it took place at the beginning of summer.
• Lemon Jazz Festival (www.lemonjazz.it/). If you love jazz, head to Sorrento in June. Musicians with worldwide fame come to the Villa Fiorentino estate. The festival lasts for five days.
• The Tammurriata festival (dances with a tambourine) is named after the “tammorra” – a large frame drum decorated with tin rattles, ribbons, and bells. The festival is held once a year in June, with the location changing annually.
• The Fiordilatte FiordiFesta Festival (www.fiordilattefiordifesta.it) celebrates Campania’s most popular cheese. Guests can taste fiordilatte, sign up for a cooking class, and prepare a dish independently. The festivities take place in the mountain town of Agerola, between Amalfi and Sorrento.

How to Get There

If you’re traveling by car from Rome, take the A1/E45 highway. The route goes through the Frosinone province. You will enter Campania near Caianello (Caserta). Some roads will require a toll. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

By train, you can reach Naples from Rome in about 1 hour. The railway network in the region is well-developed. There are local trains from the central train station to all administrative centers.
Watch the video:
https://youtu.be/bt-W1Kv4fpM
The ports of Naples and Salerno are among the busiest in Italy. You can arrive here from many cities in the Mediterranean Sea. These ports accommodate ferries and cruise liners.

Campania has 5 military and 2 civil-military airports. One is located near Naples – Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino, connected to all major European cities. Another airport is situated 21 km from Salerno – Aeroporto di Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi.