Procida was awarded the title of
Italy's cultural capital of 2022; this is where its authentic colourfulness combines with the formality, attracting many new projects and cultural events (for example, one day there are
the origami boats planned to be launched). Already beloved by many, Procida has been the place for filmmakers and directors – the movie of
Il Postino and
The talent of Mr. Ripley were also filmed on the tiny island. When applying for the title, Procida showed the vision of
la cultura non isola – which, as a wordplay, translates as both
the culture does not isolate and
the culture does not…island.
Small and subtle in its landscape Procida might be overlooked by travelers. However, compared to Capri and Ischia, it managed to maintain its originality and authenticity thanks to that fact. The smallest island in the Gulf of Naples fits in the surroundings – it appeared by the Earth movement from the magmatic activities of seven volcanoes. On the periphery of myths and legends, Procida is closely associated with
Mycenaean Greece and, with the recently found objects, gives a hint of being inhabited already in 16-15 centuries BC.
Already Juvenal (the Roman satirical poet)
described Procida as a place suitable for a peaceful stay in Satire III. This cute tiny island has its rich history: it lived from being a renowned resort for the Roman patrician class, later suffered devastation by Vandals and Goths, the feudal dominion, pirates, and shipbuilding crisis. 4 square kilometers encompass facts and stories; whereas colored houses embrace the deep meaning behind it. It has a smaller brother –
the islet Vivara, accessible by a bridge.
Sailors were the most important part of the economy of the island; by earning money from sailing and fishing, the island could live well without tourists. Moreover, Procidans are proud of maintaining the island's genuineness, and, from an overheard conversation, are not exactly happy with the abundance of tourists coming to the island: they say, they can barely leave their houses during touristic seasons.