This Hidden Island is Set to be Italy's Capital of Culture in 2022

The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage recently announced that the tiny town of Procida in the Gulf of Naples has been named Italy’s esteemed Capital of Culture for 2022.

This may have come as a shock for any avid travellers to Italy’s tourist hotspots in Campagnia, as Procida most often flies under the radar of international tourism. A true hidden gem of the Gulf, this tiny technicolour town is overshadowed by nearby bucket-list destinations of the region including Sorrento, Capri and neighbouring Ischia.

But we agree: Procida deserves more attention. Read on for a brief look at why this tiny island paradise deserves its forthcoming crown, and why it belongs on your Italian itinerary as soon as the Old Country opens its doors to the world again.

History of Procida

The island of Procida boasts a deep, storied history and countless generations of diverse inhabitants. While much of this history has been lost to the ravages of time, a surprising volume of it can still be detected throughout the island, especially in the historic centre of the town, called Terra Murata.

Bronze-age artefacts have been discovered on the island attesting to its settlement by Greek colonists as far back as 16th Century BCE. When Rome reigned supreme, Procida became a coveted resort for the empire’s affluent ruling-class. Since then, the island has been ruled over by multitudes of noble dynasties, from Spain’s House of Aragon to Austria’s Habsburgs, all of whom have left indelible marks on Procida’s geography and culture.

The imposing walled fortress of Terra Murata still contains the colourful echoes of Procida’s history, where visitors have long been captivated by the stunning frescoes of the thousand-year-old Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo and intrigued by the bright and maze-like warrens of Casale Vascello.

History buffs won’t spend all of their time in the island’s citadel, however, as the rest of Procida town likewise speaks to the island’s historical importance as a fishing and shipbuilding centre for the region.

In fact, the wealth, prosperity and the recent appointment as the Italian Capital of Culture are all in large part thanks to the multitudes of skilled artisans and shipwrights who have lived in Procida for generations and continue to ply their crafts for locals and visitors alike.

Art & Culture in Procida

The island of Procida has been a secret getaway destination for both Napoletani and discerning travellers for many years, inspiring artists, writers and film directors with its vibrant pastel buildings and charming, simple lifestyle. Giants of modern literature, including writer Elsa Morante and filmmaker Massimo Troisi, are among those who have captured Procida’s idyllic setting in novel and film alike.

The island continues to display its vibrant cultural heritage with yearly events and festivals, including the "Festival of the Sea" that celebrates the life and beauty of the island, as well as the IMDB acclaimed "Procida International Film Festival". Regional tourists and proud locals participate in the dazzling festivities every year. Two key focuses are the "Miss Graziella" traditional pageant and Elsa Morante literary prize, where crowds gather excitedly to celebrate what the island has to offer.

The island is a renowned site for gastronomical culture as well, and an impressive collection of restaurants serves the region’s celebrated Mediterranean fare. Such dishes include pizza Napoletana, urchin pasta and an abundance of daily-caught seafood. In step with the traditions of nearby Napoli, the locals of Procida also make their very own varieties of limoncello, best sipped ice-cold in the golden, afternoon sun.

Natural Beauty

If you needed any more convincing to give this gorgeous island paradise a chance, its picturesque natural environment will surely seal the deal. From imposing, rocky cliffs that tower above the pristine sea; volcanic beaches, gently lapped by crystal-clear wavelets; to the thread work of wild lemon trees and greenery that flourishes all over the island, Procida is truly a sun-soaked summer paradise of awesome contrast and inviting comfort.

With all of this set amidst the stunning backdrop of the majestic Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, it’s little wonder how Procida has enchanted so many poets, writers and patricians over the millennia.

Ferries embark daily from the nearby city of Naples, as well as from the more populous island of Ischia next door. If you’d like to learn more about this charmed, historical Island before you inevitably decide to spend your entire summer there, take a look at the official write-up on Italy’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage webpage. Buon Viaggio!

More of a gourmand? Find out how to get premium, restaurant-quality ingredients straight to your door.

Featured