Campania, Italy

The Marina Grande dock on the isle of Capri in Campania, Italy
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Porto_di_Marina_Grande_-_Isola_di_Capri.jpg
Author: PLaolo Costa Baldi


Campania is a region that faces the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west in southern Italy. It covers 13,590 sq km (5,250 sq mi) and has a population of close to six million people (2012 estimate). Its capital and biggest city is Naples.

Castello Aragonese of Ischia, in Campania, Italy
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ischia_Castello_Aragonese_01.jpg
Author: Clemens M. Brandstetter


Geography of Campania
Campania is bordered by Lazio to the northwest, Molise to the north, Apulia to the northeast and Basilicata to the east. The interior of the region is mountainous, with the highest peak being Miltetto (2,050 m). The volcano Mount Velsuvius (1,277 m) is located here, as is the caldera of Campi Flegrei.

Along the coast of Campania are three main gulfs namely the Gulf of Naples, the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Policastro. Offshore are a number of islands, the most famous of which is Capri. Other islands include Ischia and Procida.

Mount Velsuvius in Campania, Italy
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vesuvius_from_plane.jpg
Author: Pastorius


History of Campania
The earliest known tribe inhabiting Campania were the Osci, Aurunci and the Ausones. In the 8th century BC, Greece settlers arrived from Euboea. Campania became part of the Roman Republic by the end of the 4th century BC. The Roman period came to an end when its last emperor, Romulus Augustus, was imprisoned in a manor house near Naples in AD 467. What followed was the Dark Ages, when the area was ruled variously by the Byzantine Empire and broke up into numerous duchies.

In the 15th century, Naples became a center of the Renaissance. It came under direct rule of France in 1501 for just four years, when it fell Spain. As part of the Spanish Empire, it was the second largest city in Europe after Paris. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century.

Administrative Divisions of Campania
Campania is composed of five provinces namely Avellino, Benevento, Caseta, Naples and Salerno. Heading east out of Naples is the A16 motorway.

The Neapolitan pizza in Naples, Campania, Italy
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eq_it-na_pizza-margherita_sep2005_sml.jpg
Author: ElfQrin


Cuisine of Campania
Campania is famous for its pizza - which is said to have been conceived in its biggest city, Naples - as well as spaghetti. The local cuisine makes generous use of olive oil, tomato sauce and garlic.

Campania on the map

The A1 motorway is the main expressway in the region. In Naples it is joined by the A3 motorway heading south.

Cities & Towns in Campania

Tourist Sights and Destinations in Campania

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