Tiny island off Naples celebrates title of Italian Capital of Culture 2022.
Procida, the little island in the Gulf of Naples, has been crowned Italian Capital of Culture 2022, With its winning presentation titled La Cultura non Isola, Procida beat nine other finalists vying for the title: Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri, L'Aquila, Pieve di Soligo, Taranto, Trapani, Verbania and Volterra.
"It is the first time that a small place has been awarded" - said culture minister Dario Franceschini, underlining that it was the not the candidate's size that was needed to win the coveted title, but its project.
Franceschini said that Procida had presented an "excellent" project capable of "representing a model for sustainable development" based on the island's culture and coastline, as well as "transmitting a poetic message, a vision of culture."
Congratulating Procida on its title, Franceschini said that the colourful Mediterranean island would "accompany us in the year of the restart and rebirth…" "…starts a virtuous and attractive process, like for he Oscar candidates".
Procida Mayor Dino Ambrosino said "it is a huge joy, Procida is a metaphor for so many communities who have rediscovered their enthusiasm and pride for their area and want to redeem their lands. We are certain that culture can be a detonator for the strategic recovery plan for the recovery".
He added: "it is an extraordinary opportunity for a small island, we will work hard to make Italy proud of this choice".
But the questionis... "What will you find in Procida?"
Beh… You'll fell for Procida as soon as you'll saw the view from the Terra Murata. A tangle of houses painted in pink, yellow, blue and green tumble towards Marina Corricella, the sun setting behind it and lighting up the sky in a blaze of orange and pink, the fishermen use the lavishly bright buildings to find their way home.
Procida is the smallest island in the Bay of Naples and despite its location just a 40 minute hydrofoil ride from Naples it receives nowhere near as many foreign visitors as the neighbouring islands of Capri and Ischia. Procida seems to want to keep its secret to itself...
The tiny island is only 4 square kilometres and you'll walk everywhere—to the black sand beaches that ring the island, almost empty during the week and bustling with families on weekends; and through the winding narrow streets in the centre, the high walls hiding cube shaped houses and lush gardens.
The Terra Murata is the highest point on the island and the oldest village—the fortress walls were built as protection from invaders in the 15th century. You'll can go trough the medieval streets and visited the rather quirky and crumbling church the Abbazia di San Michele which has excellent views from its terrace.
Procida’s highlight is Marina Corricella, the colourful fishing village that’s built into the rock leading to the sea. The 17th century settlement is traffic-free and can only be reached by stairs in passageways through the houses.
Along the waterfront there are piles of fishing nets and patio restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the Terra Murata and bobbing fishing boats.
We at Napolitransfer who live for tourism, for the enhancement of our land, are delighted with this recognition, but above all we’re ready to welcome all those who want to pay homage to the island of Procida and come to admire the colors and to experience the emotions that only this little paradise can offer!