PIZZA

We have mentioned briefly the many dishes that make Campania so divers, but we have yet to talk about its most famous one. We are talking about a meal that in 2017, when the Art of Neapolitan “Pizzaiuoli” became inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, received the ultimate recognition for a meal that is indeed a culinary heritage for the whole world: Pizza!

The story of its origin are connected with the region and with its capital, Napoli. The year is 1889. On a day of June, the city of Napoli welcomes the King Umberto I and his wife, Margherita. The Queen was hungry, thus she called the best pizzaiolo in town to prepare something for the royal couple. Raffaele Esposito, the best pizzamaker in the whole Peninsula, knew how to satisfy his queen. On a flat disc of bread he decided to recreate the Italian flag, symbol of the country. Basil for Green, Mozzarella for White and tomatoes for Red. However, it was not only the look that made quite the impression. The meal prepared by Esposito tasted so delicious, that the Queen decided to publicly promote and celebrate the pizzaiolo and its delicious Pizza. Thankful, Esposito nominated the new dish he just made Pizza Margherita, after all Italians’ Queen. History was made.

This historical event cemented the legacy of Pizza in Italy, making the meal popular among both the plebe and the royals. Nonetheless, the 1889 event has not to be confused with the invention of pizza! The very first pizzeria dates back to 1738 in the Port’Alba neighborhood of Napoli, while the creation of pizza can be located way back in time! However, Pizza is not just Margherita! Just like with pasta, Italians love to play and experiment with their traditions. You like spicy food? Have a Pizza Diavola! Missing the seaside? Have a Pizza ai frutti di mare! Or you miss both the seaside AND the countryside? Try Pizza Mari & Monti or 4 Stagioni! We are sure some of you have made their own version of Italian pizza with some toppings that we have yet to see!