Campania, Administrative region in southern Italy
Campania is an administrative territory in the southern part of the country, stretching from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea into hilly and mountainous inland areas. It includes five provinces with Naples as its capital and administrative center, while smaller cities like Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, and Salerno form part of its territory.
Greek settlers founded colonies along the coast during the 8th century BC, while Oscan tribes inhabited the inland areas. Later, the territory came under Roman rule before being controlled by Normans, Swabians, and other dynasties throughout the medieval period.
The region celebrates its heritage through lively street festivals, processions honoring local patron saints, and performances of folk songs that echo through town squares. Families gather in trattorias and pizzerias where the preparation of food follows generations-old recipes, and the social life unfolds in outdoor markets and cafes.
Travelers reach the area through Naples International Airport or by train from other parts of the country, while a network of regional trains and buses links the main cities. Coastal and inland areas offer contrasting landscapes, so exploring different zones can suit varied interests.
Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano that looms over Naples, buried two Roman cities under ash and pumice in 79 AD, preserving buildings, frescoes, and everyday objects almost unchanged. This layer of volcanic material offers a window into Roman life nearly 2000 years ago, freezing a moment in time that archaeologists continue to study.
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