The Rich History of Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza, with its thin crust, simple ingredients, and authentic preparation methods, has become synonymous with Italian cuisine. However, this beloved dish is much more than just food—it reflects centuries of history, culture, and tradition in Naples. From humble beginnings in the streets of Naples to its status as a global icon, Neapolitan pizza’s history is a tale worth exploring.
Origins of Pizza in Naples
The history of pizza begins in ancient Mediterranean civilizations, where flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and simple ingredients were staples. However, it was in Naples, around the 18th century, that the modern concept of pizza emerged. Naples was home to many poor workers, known as the lazzaroni, who needed inexpensive, quick meals. Pizza, sold by street vendors and informal restaurants, fit the bill perfectly. These early pizzas were often topped with simple, local ingredients such as tomatoes, anchovies, and garlic.
Though viewed with disdain by upper-class citizens and foreign visitors alike—Samuel Morse once described it as “nauseating”—pizza’s popularity among the working class in Naples only grew.
The Creation of Pizza Margherita
In 1889, Neapolitan pizza became more than just a local delicacy. During a visit to Naples by King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, the famous pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito was asked to prepare a pizza for the queen. Esposito created three variations, but it was the one topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—resembling the Italian flag—that captured the queen’s heart. Esposito named it Pizza Margherita in her honour. This royal endorsement elevated pizza from street food to a dish with national pride, although it took decades for it to become popular outside Naples.
Influence of Immigrant Cultures on Neapolitan Pizza
As Naples was a major Mediterranean port, the city saw a constant influx of travellers and immigrants, which influenced its culinary culture. Many different ingredients and methods were introduced, from seafood to spices, which later became integrated into Neapolitan cuisine. This cultural melting pot shaped the evolution of pizza, adding depth and variety to its flavours.
The Role of Naples’ Port in Pizza’s Popularity
Naples’ busy port and its strategic location as a hub of trade facilitated the spread of pizza beyond the city’s borders. Merchants, sailors, and visitors to Naples began to sample and talk about this unique street food, gradually increasing its popularity. The city’s thriving waterfront, filled with workers seeking a quick meal, further fuelled pizza’s growth. As people travelled in and out of Naples, they took the idea of pizza with them, seeding its reputation far beyond local boundaries.
Pizza in the 18th and 19th Centuries
By the 18th century, pizza was an essential part of Neapolitan culture, with pizza vendors populating the streets. At this time, pizza was sold in its simplest form—flatbreads with basic toppings like oil, tomatoes, and cheese. The development of wood-fired ovens enhanced the cooking process, adding the now-famous slightly charred crust. However, despite its popularity among the poor, pizza remained relatively unknown in Italy’s wealthier regions.
Neapolitan Pizza in American Culture
Pizza’s journey across the Atlantic occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to American cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago. One of the first documented pizzerias in the United States was Gennaro Lombardi’s, opened in Manhattan in 1905. This marked the beginning of pizza’s transformation into a beloved American food, eventually leading to regional adaptations like the iconic New York slice and Chicago deep-dish. By the mid-20th century, pizza had exploded in popularity in the U.S., spreading throughout the country and inspiring numerous local variations.
Famous Historical Pizzerias in Naples
Naples is home to some of the world’s oldest and most iconic pizzerias. Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, founded in 1738, is often considered the world’s first pizzeria. Other famous establishments, such as L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, established in 1870, continue to serve authentic Neapolitan pizza following century-old traditions.
The UNESCO Recognition
In 2017, the art of Neapolitan pizza-making, or pizzaiuolo, was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlighted not only the pizza itself but also the craftsmanship involved in its preparation. The dough must be hand-stretched, the ingredients simple yet of high quality, and the cooking done in a wood-fired oven. This UNESCO status cemented Neapolitan pizza as not just a meal, but a cultural artifact that connects modern pizza lovers to centuries of history.
The Evolution of Pizza Beyond Naples
While Naples remains the spiritual home of pizza, the dish’s evolution took it far beyond its birthplace. Today, there are countless regional variations, from the Roman “pizza al taglio” to the American deep-dish. Each variation reflects local tastes and ingredients, but Neapolitan pizza, with its thin crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di bufala, remains the gold standard for pizza purists. Whether served in its birthplace or a modern American pizzeria, Neapolitan pizza continues to exemplify the simplicity and artistry of Italian cuisine.
Pizza in Popular Media
Neapolitan pizza has played a notable role in popular culture, appearing in films, books, and TV shows. From the famous pizza-eating scene in Eat Pray Love to its countless depictions in Italian cinema, Neapolitan pizza continues to capture the public’s imagination as a symbol of Italian culinary tradition.
Conclusion
From its ancient Mediterranean roots to its 21st-century global domination, Neapolitan pizza’s journey is one of cultural exchange and evolution. Whether it’s the traditional pizza served in Naples or its many variations across the world, this simple dish represents a rich culinary history that continues to bring people together.