Via Marina Grande, 80067 Sorrento, Italy (May 2018)

Campania

Welcome to Italy in Photos, for a truly mesmerizing visual experience that unveils the hidden treasures of Campania: – Campania is a region in the south-western part of Italy, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the most populous and densely populated regions in the country, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Campania is famous for its natural beauty, historical sites, gastronomy, and art. Here are some of the highlights of this fascinating region: – Naples: The capital and largest city of Campania, Naples is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis that offers a glimpse into the authentic Italian life. Naples is home to the oldest continuously inhabited urban area in the world, dating back to the 9th century BC. The city boasts a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures, such as the Royal Palace, the Castel Nuovo, the San Carlo Theatre, and the National Archaeological Museum. Naples is also the birthplace of pizza and has a thriving street food scene. The city is also a gateway to some of the most famous attractions in Campania, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and the islands of Capri and Ischia. – The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that runs from Sorrento to Salerno, along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The coast is dotted with picturesque villages, such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Praiano, that cling to the steep cliffs overlooking the azure sea. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its scenic beauty, its colourful architecture, its lemon groves, and its romantic atmosphere. The coast is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it represents an outstanding example of Mediterranean landscape. – Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, as it preserves the remains of an ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The site covers an area of about 66 hectares, and contains more than 1,000 buildings, including temples, theatres, baths, shops, houses, and villas. Pompeii offers a unique insight into the daily life, culture, and society of the Roman Empire. Visitors can admire the frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and graffiti that decorate the walls and floors of the buildings. Pompeii is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is an exceptional testimony to a civilization that has disappeared.

Capri is an island in the Bay of Naples that has been a popular tourist destination since ancient times. The island is famous for its natural beauty, its chic atmosphere, its luxury hotels and shops, and its celebrity visitors. Capri has many attractions to offer, such as the Blue Grotto (a sea cave that glows with a blue light), the Faraglioni (three rock formations that rise from the sea), the Villa Jovis (the ruins of an imperial palace built by Emperor Tiberius), and the Piazzetta (the main square of Capri town). Capri is also known for its local products, such as limoncello (a lemon liqueur), perfume (made from local flowers), and jewellery (made from coral and turquoise). Paestum is an ancient Greek city that was founded in the 6th century BC by colonists from Sybaris. The city was later conquered by the Romans in 273 BC, and then abandoned in the Middle Ages due to malaria and pirate raids. Today, Paestum is one of the best-preserved examples of Greek architecture in Italy. The site contains three majestic temples dedicated to Hera, Athena, and Poseidon, as well as a museum that displays some of the finest examples of Greek painting, such as the Tomb of the Diver (a fresco depicting a young man diving into water). Paestum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it illustrates the fusion of different cultures in Magna Graecia. These are just some of the places to visit in Campania Italy. There are many more to discover in this region that offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Campania is a place where you can experience the best of Italy in one destination. Embark on a journey through this captivating region, with Italy in Photos, as we capture the true essence of Campania and invite you to be a part of this remarkable discovery.

The Provinces of Campania

Avellino: The Province of Avellino lies in the inland heart of the Campania region in southern Italy and is widely known as Irpinia. Unlike the bustling coastal areas of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Avellino offers a quieter landscape shaped by mountains, valleys, and forests that form part of the Apennine range. This geography has influenced both the lifestyle and character of the area, fostering a strong bond between its communities and the natural environment.

Rich in history, the province bears the marks of many civilizations, from the ancient Samnites and Romans to the Lombards and Normans. Historic towns, medieval castles, and archaeological remains reflect centuries of cultural layering. Despite facing natural challenges such as earthquakes and periods of isolation, the province has preserved a resilient identity rooted in tradition and continuity.

Avellino is also celebrated for its agricultural and enological excellence. The province produces some of Italy’s most respected wines, including Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino, and Greco di Tufo, alongside high-quality olive oil, chestnuts, and hazelnuts. Local festivals, religious celebrations, and traditional cuisine continue to play a central role in daily life.

Today, the Province of Avellino represents an authentic and less-travelled side of Campania, where history, nature, and tradition come together in a distinctive and enduring cultural landscape.

Benevento: The Province of Benevento is located in the north-eastern part of the Campania region in southern Italy and is a territory rich in history, traditions, and natural beauty. Often referred to as Sannio, the area is characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and river landscapes shaped by the Calore and Volturno rivers. Its inland position has helped preserve a strong cultural identity, distinct from the coastal areas of Campania.

Benevento’s history dates back to ancient times, when it was an important centre of the Samnite civilization before becoming a Roman city of great strategic value. The city of Benevento itself preserves remarkable monuments such as the Arch of Trajan, ancient bridges, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Later influences from the Lombards left a lasting legacy, earning the area a reputation as a crossroads of civilizations and legends.

Agriculture plays a central role in the province’s economy and traditions. Vineyards, olive groves, and cereal fields dominate the landscape, producing respected wines, olive oil, and local specialties. Traditional festivals, religious events, and folklore continue to animate towns and villages throughout the year.

Today, the Province of Benevento offers a quieter and more authentic vision of Campania, where history, rural landscapes, and enduring traditions combine to create a territory of deep cultural significance and timeless charm.

Caserta: – The Province of Caserta is located in northern Campania and represents a territory where history, art, and fertile landscapes come together. Stretching from the plains of the Volturno River to the foothills of the Apennines, the province includes coastal areas, agricultural lowlands, and mountainous inland zones, offering remarkable geographic diversity. Its strategic position has made Caserta an important crossroads since ancient times.

At the heart of the province lies the city of Caserta, internationally renowned for the Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest royal residences in Europe. Built in the eighteenth century for the Bourbon kings, the palace and its vast gardens symbolize the historical importance and artistic grandeur of the area. Beyond the capital, medieval villages, Roman ruins, and historic abbeys testify to centuries of cultural development.

The province is also deeply connected to agriculture and traditional craftsmanship. The fertile plains are famous for the production of mozzarella di bufala, wine, olive oil, and other high-quality products that define local cuisine. Rural traditions coexist with industrial and commercial activities, reflecting the province’s economic variety.

Today, the Province of Caserta offers a compelling blend of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and living traditions, providing a rich and multifaceted perspective on Campania’s past and present.

Naples: – The Province of Naples, located along the central coast of the Campania region, is one of the most historically and culturally rich areas of southern Italy. Dominated by the presence of the city of Naples, the province is framed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, Mount Vesuvius, and the fertile volcanic plains that have supported human settlement for thousands of years. This unique landscape has shaped both the economy and identity of the territory.

The history of the province is deeply rooted in antiquity, beginning with Greek colonization and continuing through Roman, medieval, and modern periods. World-famous archaeological sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Oplontis offer extraordinary insight into daily life in the ancient world. Naples itself is renowned for its historic centre, art, architecture, and vibrant street life, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.

The province also includes areas of remarkable natural and scenic beauty, from the Phlegraean Fields and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida to the coastal towns along the Bay of Naples. Local traditions, cuisine, music, and religious celebrations remain central to everyday life.

Today, the Province of Naples represents a dynamic and complex territory where ancient history, natural wonders, and contemporary urban life coexist, making it one of the most distinctive and influential areas of Campania.

Salerno: The Province of Salerno is the southernmost and one of the most diverse provinces in the Campania region of southern Italy. Extending from the Tyrrhenian coast deep into the Apennine Mountains, it encompasses a wide range of landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, fertile plains, rolling hills, and protected natural areas. This geographic variety has played a key role in shaping the province’s economy, culture, and historical development.

Salerno’s history is rich and multifaceted. The city of Salerno was an important center in the Middle Ages, famous for the Schola Medica Salernitana, considered the first medical school in Europe. Throughout the province, ancient Greek, Roman, medieval, and Norman influences can be seen in archaeological sites, castles, churches, and historic towns. Coastal areas such as the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned worldwide for their beauty and cultural heritage.

Agriculture and maritime traditions remain central to local life. The fertile Sele Plain supports the cultivation of vegetables, olives, and vineyards, while fishing and seafaring have long sustained coastal communities. Traditional festivals, cuisine, and craftsmanship continue to reflect strong local identities.

Today, the Province of Salerno offers a harmonious blend of history, nature, and tradition, presenting a multifaceted portrait of Campania that combines renowned destinations with authentic inland landscapes and enduring cultural values.