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Campania
Region of Italy
Flag of Campania
Flag
 Coat of arms of Campania
Coat of arms
Italy Regions Campania Map.png
Country Italy
Capital Naples
Area
 • Total 13,595 km2 (5,249 sq mi)
Population
 (2007-12-31)
 • Total 5,811,390
 • Density 427.465/km2 (1,107.13/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
GDP/ Nominal € 94.3 billion (2006)
NUTS Region ITF
Website www.regione.campania.it

Campania is a beautiful region located in the southern part of Italy. It's a place full of history, amazing food, and stunning landscapes. The biggest and most important city in Campania is Napoli, which is also its capital. Imagine a region with a population of over 5.8 million people! That makes it one of the most populated areas in Italy.

Campania is famous for many things, like the ancient city of Pompeii, the dramatic Mount Vesuvius, and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. It's a popular spot for tourists from all over the world.

Provinces of Campania

Campania is divided into several smaller areas called provinces. Think of them like big counties within the region. Each province has its own unique towns and attractions.

Here are the provinces that make up Campania:


What is Campania Like?

Campania has a very diverse landscape. You can find beautiful coastlines, like the one around Naples and the Amalfi Coast. There are also mountains and fertile plains where lots of delicious food is grown. The climate is usually mild, with warm summers and gentle winters. This makes it a great place to visit almost any time of the year.

Famous Landmarks

Campania is home to some of Italy's most famous landmarks.

  • Mount Vesuvius: This active volcano stands tall over the Bay of Naples. It's famous for its eruption in 79 AD, which buried the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Today, you can even hike up to the crater!
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum: These ancient Roman towns were perfectly preserved by the ash from Vesuvius. Walking through their streets feels like stepping back in time. You can see houses, shops, and even ancient graffiti.
  • Caserta Palace: This enormous palace is one of the largest royal residences in the world. It was built for the Bourbon kings of Naples and has stunning gardens, fountains, and grand rooms. It's often compared to the Palace of Versailles in France.
  • Amalfi Coast: This is a stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful towns, and sparkling blue waters. Towns like Positano and Amalfi cling to the hillsides, offering breathtaking views.
  • Islands of Capri and Ischia: These beautiful islands off the coast are popular for their natural beauty, charming towns, and clear waters. Capri is especially famous for its Blue Grotto, a sea cave with glowing blue water.

Delicious Food

Campania is a paradise for food lovers! Many famous Italian dishes come from this region.

  • Neapolitan pizza: The original pizza Margherita was invented in Naples. It's made with simple, fresh ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
  • Spaghetti alla puttanesca: This spicy pasta dish is full of flavor, with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and capers.
  • Mozzarella di bufala: This creamy, delicious cheese is made from the milk of water buffalo. It's a must-try!
  • Limoncello: A sweet, strong lemon liqueur made from the huge lemons grown along the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento.
  • Fresh Produce: The region is known for its amazing fruits and vegetables, like San Marzano tomatoes, Annurca apples, and Vesuvian apricots.

History Highlights

Campania has a very long and interesting history.

  • Ancient Times: The region was first settled by ancient Greeks, who built many cities like Paestum. Later, it became an important part of the Roman Empire.
  • Medieval Period: After the Roman Empire, Campania was ruled by different groups, including Normans and then Spanish kings. The Castel Nuovo in Naples was a seat for medieval kings.
  • Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: For a long time, Campania was part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, ruled by the Bourbon family. Ferdinand I was one of these kings.
  • Unification of Italy: In the 19th century, Campania became part of the newly unified country of Italy.

Modern Campania

Today, Campania is a busy and lively region. Naples is a major port city and a hub for culture and business. While there are some older industrial areas, like the former steelworks in Bagnoli, the region is also home to modern industries and transportation. For example, you can see modern trains like the Alstom AGV and shipyards like Fincantieri in Castellammare di Stabia. Sports are also very popular, especially football, with the SSC Napoli team playing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Campania truly offers a mix of ancient wonders, natural beauty, and modern life, making it a fascinating place to learn about and explore.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Campania para niños

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