Procida is Italian Capital of Culture in 2022. The municipality of Campania will take over the baton from Parma which, due to the pandemic, will hold the title a year longer than expected.
The small island, with just over 10 thousand inhabitants, defeated nine other competitors – Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri, L'Aquila, Pieve di Soligo, Taranto, Trapani, Verbania Lago Maggiore and Volterra.
“The cultural project presents elements of attractiveness and quality at excellent levels. The context of local public and private support is well structured; the heritage and landscape dimension of the place is extraordinary; the experimental dimension, which includes social aspects and technological diffusion, is dedicated to the Tyrrhenian islands, but is relevant to all the realities of small Mediterranean islands”, says the text of the jury responsible for the choice.
What to see in Procida, pearl of the Gulf of Naples
Procida is one of two Flegree islands in the Gulf of Naples, along with the islet Vivara, which is part of its own municipal territory. The two islands are connected to each other by a small bridge.
The town of Procida, one of the most picturesque colorful villages in Italy, is divided into nine districts, called “grancie“: Terra Murata which is the oldest village, Corricella, a typical fishing village, Sent'cò with the commercial port of Marina Grande, San Leonardo, Santissima Annunziata also known as Madonna della Libera, Sant'Antuono, Sant'Antonio and Chiaiolella, tourist port located in the southern part.
Many religious events are linked to the island that take place during Holy Week before Easter.
One of the most striking is the Procession of the Capuchin Apostles, which has ancient origins and dates back to the 16th century.
There are also several places of interest to visit in Procida: from the church of San Tommaso d'Aquino which houses the wooden statue of the dead Christ, made by Carmine Lantriceni, to the D'Avalos Castle, passing through the Palazzo Bormioli and the Abbey of San Michelle.
