La Pizza: An Institution from Naples to the Amalfi Coast

The first thing you learn as an Italian is that food is an essential part of our culture. It’s in our blood, in our earliest family memories, and at the heart of our daily lives. Since the dawn of civilization, food has been more than just sustenance, it has been a form of art. What necessity creates, passion and creativity elevate! And when it comes to Italian cuisine, what better way to start than with the world’s happiest food: pizza. Let’s guide you through its history here.

The Ancient Origins of Pizza

While no one can pinpoint the exact moment pizza was born, its roots stretch deep into history. The concept of a flatbread topped with various ingredients dates back to ancient civilizations. Even the Roman poet Virgil, in his epic Aeneid, describes Aeneas eating a type of pinsa (an oval-shaped flatbread) upon reaching the shores of Latium, the region where Rome would later rise.

For centuries, flatbreads like pinsa disappeared from historical records, until 1889, when Neapolitan baker Raffaele Esposito supposedly crafted a pizza in honor of Queen Margherita di Savoia. The story goes that he created a dish using three simple ingredients: tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Thus, the Margherita pizza was born, becoming the most famous pizza worldwide.

Yet, historians suspect that this was more of a public relations move rather than a true invention. After all, variations of pizza had already been enjoyed for centuries in Naples.

Pizza’s Evolution in Naples

Long before Esposito’s Margherita, Naples had already perfected the art of pizza. The Spanish, who ruled Naples in the 1500s, introduced a fascinating new ingredient from the Americas: the tomato (pomodoro). While initially met with suspicion, Neapolitans eventually embraced this bright red fruit, transforming it into the delicious sauce that would become pizza’s defining feature.

By the 1700s, pizza was a staple in Naples, especially among the working class. It was affordable, flavorful, and substantial enough to sustain laborers who could only afford one meal a day. One of the earliest recorded styles of Neapolitan pizza was the Marinara, which, despite its name, contained no seafood. Instead, it featured a simple topping of tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. According to historic accounts, Neapolitan fishermen returning from their nightly voyages were the first to enjoy this type of pizza, as it was both satisfying and inexpensive.

Even Alexandre Dumas, the famed French writer, mentioned Neapolitan pizza in 1835, describing it as a simple yet filling dish: “A small pizza can satisfy one man, while a larger one can feed an entire family.”

The Birth of “Pizza a Metro” on the Amalfi Coast

Though Naples is the undisputed birthplace of modern pizza, its influence soon spread beyond the city limits. Just south of Naples, along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, pizza took on a new life in the early 20th century. In 1920, a baker named Luigi Dell’Amura, known as “Gigino,” revolutionized pizza-making in the coastal town of Vico Equense by inventing Pizza a Metro or Meter-Long Pizza.

Unlike traditional round Neapolitan pizzas, Pizza a Metro was baked in massive ovens, stretching to over a meter in length and served on wooden trays. This unique style allowed for different toppings on each section, making it a favorite for large gatherings. To this day, visitors to the Amalfi Coast can indulge in this delicious, oversized pizza while enjoying breathtaking seaside views.

Experience Authentic Pizza in Naples and the Amalfi Coast

One of the most extraordinary things about pizza is how a simple combination of flour, water, tomato, and cheese has stood the test of time, evolving into countless variations while maintaining its soul. Whether you prefer the traditional Margherita, the rustic Marinara, or the celebratory Pizza a Metro, nothing compares to tasting authentic Italian pizza where it all began. If you need more reasons to eat pizza and know why Pizza in Italy is healthier, fresher, and tastier than anywhere, check this article out!

At Nada’s Italy, we take you beyond the tourist hotspots to experience Italy’s rich culinary heritage firsthand. Our small-group tours through Naples and the Amalfi Coast offer exclusive opportunities to visit legendary pizzerias, meet local artisans, and savor the flavors of true Neapolitan pizza.

So, what toppings will you choose for your meter-long pizza? We can’t wait to find out!

Antonio Falvella “Welcome to Antonio’s Cucina!”