Campania
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 22 November 2023
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As can often happen with the twenty regions of Italy, the name of the region itself can sometimes be out-famed by the places within it, and that's most certainly the case with Campania.
If you think of Italy as three parts: the north, centre and south, then Campania is the first region that's truly in the south, just below Lazio, the region of Rome. Campania is a land of sun, sea and bundles of charm with an immense collection of archaeological treats. |
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Campania: south of Rome and straddling the Tyrrhenian Coast
Geographically-speaking, Campania occupies a large tract of the southern Tyrrhenian Coast to its west, while to the east the landscape is dominated by the Apennine Mountains that form the spine of Italy's back. Some of Italy's best-known tourist destinations can be found in Campania, a quite extraordinary collection of them in fact, while its hinterland remains rather more mysterious and undiscovered.
Campania is divided up into five provinces, each of which represents a geographical area with a major town or city at its heart. The official capital of Campania is Naples which is also the unofficial, but culturally-recognised capital of Southern Italy. The newly-named Metropolitan City of Naples is now the given name of what used to be Naples Province, and it is here where we'll start to have a look at some of its main sights.
Campania is divided up into five provinces, each of which represents a geographical area with a major town or city at its heart. The official capital of Campania is Naples which is also the unofficial, but culturally-recognised capital of Southern Italy. The newly-named Metropolitan City of Naples is now the given name of what used to be Naples Province, and it is here where we'll start to have a look at some of its main sights.
Campania's boisterous but beautiful capital: Naples
Naples itself is a bustling, noisy, chaotic city that was once the envy of the world; no doubt you'll have heard the phrase "see Naples and die", a phrase whose origin is often disputed but certainly referred to the city's beauty in its heyday, rather than any necessity to suddenly drop dead once you'd seen the place.
There are many stereotypes that surround Naples, some more accurate than others, but the word "vibrant" could almost have been invented to describe the city. It's home to the longest continuously-open theatre, Teatro San Carlo and to Italy's most valued archaeological museum. Both of these locations are obviously above ground but there are a whole raft of sights to be enjoyed underground in Naples, including the fascinating Galleria Borbonica which was once a world war two bomb shelter and now houses an extraordinary collection of rusted relics from the time such as taxis and motorcycles.
There are many stereotypes that surround Naples, some more accurate than others, but the word "vibrant" could almost have been invented to describe the city. It's home to the longest continuously-open theatre, Teatro San Carlo and to Italy's most valued archaeological museum. Both of these locations are obviously above ground but there are a whole raft of sights to be enjoyed underground in Naples, including the fascinating Galleria Borbonica which was once a world war two bomb shelter and now houses an extraordinary collection of rusted relics from the time such as taxis and motorcycles.
The three islands of the Gulf of Naples: Ischia, Procida and Capri
I won't go into everything about Naples here as there's so much to talk about, but it's important to note that it's also a port, and one from which you can sail to three beautiful islands. The largest island is Ischia; home to the iconic Castello Aragonese which sits just out to sea across a stone bridge.
Ischia is renowned for its thermal water which along with its dozens of beaches, marks it out as a favourite holiday destination with a very Italian feel. Somewhat by contrast, its near-neighbour Procida is much smaller and rather sleepy at times, but able to boast one of southern Italy's picture-postcard locations: the colourful Marina Corricella.
The third of the three islands is Capri; much more famous than Ischia or Procida and known for its glamour, among other things. Its most famous sight is the beguiling Blue Grotto; a sea cave where the colour of the water seems almost impossible, while Capri's Faraglioni sea stacks offer another iconic image of Italy.
Ischia is renowned for its thermal water which along with its dozens of beaches, marks it out as a favourite holiday destination with a very Italian feel. Somewhat by contrast, its near-neighbour Procida is much smaller and rather sleepy at times, but able to boast one of southern Italy's picture-postcard locations: the colourful Marina Corricella.
The third of the three islands is Capri; much more famous than Ischia or Procida and known for its glamour, among other things. Its most famous sight is the beguiling Blue Grotto; a sea cave where the colour of the water seems almost impossible, while Capri's Faraglioni sea stacks offer another iconic image of Italy.
Sorrento and its Peninsula
Capri sits in the Gulf of Naples, just a short boat ride from the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. The most famous town on the peninsula is of course Sorrento itself; one of the most-favoured seaside towns in Italy and a particular hit with British and American visitors.
In Sorrento you can laze around at the beach clubs with their crystalline water by day, and in the evening take a wonderful passeggiata through the town's web of narrow streets with an endless amount of shops and places to eat.
In Sorrento you can laze around at the beach clubs with their crystalline water by day, and in the evening take a wonderful passeggiata through the town's web of narrow streets with an endless amount of shops and places to eat.
Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites
Almost everyone that visits Sorrento decides to take an excursion at some point as there is so much on its doorstep. The absolute number one excursion from Sorrento is the archaeological site of Pompeii. Whether you're in Naples, one of the islands listed above or Sorrento, the skyline is dominated by the imposing, almost menacing sight of Mount Vesuvius.
In late August 79 AD, the volcano erupted, sending huge plumes of volcanic ash and pumice into the sky, much of which settled on the affluent city of Pompeii. It's such a compelling story of woe that can be clearly traced by a visit to the exceptionally well-preserved site, one that includes the haunting figures of bodies that were trapped at the moment of their death.
The whole stretch of coastline either side of Naples is peppered with further, incredible archaeological sites including Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis, Stabiae and Baia to name just a handful. To the north of Naples there are Roman amphitheatres in Pozzuoli and Capua, while another of the region's most famous archaeological sites lies much further south.
In late August 79 AD, the volcano erupted, sending huge plumes of volcanic ash and pumice into the sky, much of which settled on the affluent city of Pompeii. It's such a compelling story of woe that can be clearly traced by a visit to the exceptionally well-preserved site, one that includes the haunting figures of bodies that were trapped at the moment of their death.
The whole stretch of coastline either side of Naples is peppered with further, incredible archaeological sites including Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis, Stabiae and Baia to name just a handful. To the north of Naples there are Roman amphitheatres in Pozzuoli and Capua, while another of the region's most famous archaeological sites lies much further south.
Salerno and the Cilento National Park
Paestum is situated in the Province of Salerno, just on the edge of the Cilento National Park. Paestum's Greek temples are some of the best preserved in Europe and along with the nearby Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula, the Velia archaeological site and the Cilento National Park itself, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Province of Salerno is also famed for its production of buffalo mozzarella, a staple of southern Italian households who prize the quality of the fresh cheese and feel reassured when it comes from the town of Battipaglia where you'll find dozens of dairy outlets from which to buy it.
The provincial capital of Salerno Province is of course Salerno itself. The city's name is often used in a historical context as it was an important theatre of operations during World War Two, but in modern times, it's a vibrant, prosperous city with an important port.
You can take walks along Salerno's beautiful, tree-lined promenade that seems to go on forever, or visit its Cathedral whose crypt is of quite extraordinary beauty. Salerno also has the distinction of being the southern book-end of one of the most beguiling stretches of coastline in the world: the Amalfi Coast.
The Province of Salerno is also famed for its production of buffalo mozzarella, a staple of southern Italian households who prize the quality of the fresh cheese and feel reassured when it comes from the town of Battipaglia where you'll find dozens of dairy outlets from which to buy it.
The provincial capital of Salerno Province is of course Salerno itself. The city's name is often used in a historical context as it was an important theatre of operations during World War Two, but in modern times, it's a vibrant, prosperous city with an important port.
You can take walks along Salerno's beautiful, tree-lined promenade that seems to go on forever, or visit its Cathedral whose crypt is of quite extraordinary beauty. Salerno also has the distinction of being the southern book-end of one of the most beguiling stretches of coastline in the world: the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast
Another UNESCO World Heritage site within Campania's borders, the Amalfi Coast is a 40 kilometre stretch of huge cliffs that plunge into a sea of the brightest blue water.
You can take a sensational drive along the famous Amalfi Coast Road, staring open-mouthed at the wondrous natural sights along the way, and stopping at a clutch of gorgeous seaside towns such as Positano and Amalfi itself. You can also head inland, up in the hills and find the hill town of Ravello with its exclusive hotels and beautiful gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
You can take a sensational drive along the famous Amalfi Coast Road, staring open-mouthed at the wondrous natural sights along the way, and stopping at a clutch of gorgeous seaside towns such as Positano and Amalfi itself. You can also head inland, up in the hills and find the hill town of Ravello with its exclusive hotels and beautiful gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
Caserta and its Royal Palace
UNESCO also recognise the Royal Palace of Caserta among their list of inscriptions. Just at the edge of Caserta itself, the Royal Palace is a grand old building with beautifully-preserved palatial apartments but it is perhaps its garden that captures most of the imagination.
It's the very scale of the garden that leaves you breathless, literally, as it's several kilometres from one end to the other, during which time you'll walk beside an enormous water feature lined with busts and expansive lawns.
It's the very scale of the garden that leaves you breathless, literally, as it's several kilometres from one end to the other, during which time you'll walk beside an enormous water feature lined with busts and expansive lawns.
Campania's interior: Benevento and Avellino
The two remaining provinces in Campania are Benevento and Avellino. Both provinces and their capital cities lie in Campania's interior which is off the beaten track for most visitors. Once a stop for the Romans crossing the country to the port of Brindisi in Puglia, Benevento is full of historical sights including its Roman Arch but also its Basilica di Santa Sofia complex which is yet another on the UNESCO list.
Reaching and getting around in Campania
International travellers to Campania have a choice of entry points: most Europeans will fly into Naples Airport from where they can easily reach any of the region's attractions. However, given the proximity of Rome, just a few hours' drive to the north, further opportunities are available to worldwide travellers.
Campania offers various forms of public transport including trains and buses, but not to be forgotten are the many ferry routes that can transport you to the islands or favourite spots along the Amalfi Coast. Private or rental car is also a sensible option for those wishing to explore the region in-depth.
Campania offers various forms of public transport including trains and buses, but not to be forgotten are the many ferry routes that can transport you to the islands or favourite spots along the Amalfi Coast. Private or rental car is also a sensible option for those wishing to explore the region in-depth.
Regione Campania
Campania Gallery
Metropolitan City of Naples
Mergellina, Naples
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Avellino Province
Zungoli, Avellino Province
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Benevento Province
Sant'Agata de' Goti, Benevento Province
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Caserta Province
Campano Amphitheatre of Capua, Caserta Province
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Salerno Province
Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Coast, Salerno Province
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