When we think of Italy’s most iconic dish, one word comes to mind: pizza. But to understand pizza in its purest, most soulful form, we must travel to the city where it was born—Naples.
Located on the shimmering Bay of Naples, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, this southern Italian city is a place of contrasts and wonders. Naples is vibrant and raw, elegant and chaotic, deeply rooted in tradition yet endlessly creative. And nowhere is this spirit more alive than in its relationship with food—especially pizza.
The Origins of an Icon
Pizza in Naples is not just a dish—it’s a ritual, a craft, and a symbol of identity. The earliest forms of pizza date back to the 18th century, when flatbreads topped with garlic, lard, and anchovies were sold as affordable street food to Naples’ working class. These early pizzas were simple, nourishing, and made with locally sourced ingredients.
But it was in 1889 that pizza took on a new national significance. During a royal visit to Naples, Queen Margherita of Savoy was served a special pizza created in her honor. Topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil—symbolizing the red, white, and green of the Italian flag—this pizza would become known as the Margherita. A legend was born.
More Than a Meal
In Naples, pizza is made with heart and hands. Traditional pizzaiuoli (pizza makers) follow age-old techniques: dough is slowly leavened, hand-stretched, topped with just a few fresh ingredients, and baked for 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven at nearly 500°C. The result? A delicate, chewy, lightly charred crust that cradles a flavorful, molten center.
In 2017, this culinary tradition was recognized by UNESCO, which inscribed the “Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo” on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s not just the pizza that’s important—it’s the art of making it, and the knowledge passed down through generations.
A Slice of Culture
To eat pizza in Naples is to step into a living tradition. You might sit elbow-to-elbow with locals at a bustling pizzeria, watch a pizzaiolo work with quiet concentration, or hear the clatter of plates and the hum of conversation spill out into the street.
You might hear a classic Neapolitan song, like “Tu vuò fa’ l’americano”, drifting from a passing Vespa. Or feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set, echoing the romantic grit of Italian cinema.
It’s not just about taste—it’s about atmosphere, memory, emotion.
Travel Through Flavor
At FuorITinerario – Discover Your Italy, we believe food is one of the most powerful ways to connect with a place. That’s why we love to design journeys where guests don’t just eat pizza—they understand it. From visiting traditional pizzerias in Naples to learning from local pizzaiuoli in private workshops, we invite travelers to experience the soul of Italian culture, one bite at a time.
Because in Naples, pizza isn’t fast food—it’s a love story.
