Neapolitan pizza, with its simple ingredients, thin crust, and traditional preparation methods, has become a beloved dish across the globe. However, this iconic meal is much more than just food—it reflects centuries of history, culture, and heritage in Naples. From its origins as humble street food to its rise as a global culinary phenomenon, the history of Neapolitan pizza is a story worth exploring.
Origins of Neapolitan Pizza in Naples
The history of pizza can be traced back to ancient Mediterranean civilisations, where flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and other simple ingredients were common. However, it was in Naples, around the 18th century, that the modern concept of pizza began to take shape. At the time, Naples was home to many working-class residents known as the lazzaroni, who needed inexpensive, quick meals. Pizza, sold by street vendors and in informal eateries, fit the bill perfectly. These early pizzas were typically topped with basic, local ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies.
Despite pizza’s growing popularity among the working class, it was initially dismissed by the upper classes and foreign visitors. Samuel Morse, the famous inventor, even described it as “nauseating.” Nevertheless, the popularity of pizza among the people of Naples continued to grow.
The Birth of Pizza Margherita: A Royal Endorsement
In 1889, Neapolitan pizza received its royal endorsement. When King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples, they asked Raffaele Esposito, a renowned pizzaiolo (pizza maker), to create a special pizza for the queen. Esposito prepared three different variations, but it was the one topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—representing the colours of the Italian flag—that won the queen’s approval. Esposito named this creation Pizza Margherita, in her honour.
This royal approval marked a pivotal moment in the history of Neapolitan pizza, elevating it from street food to a national symbol of pride. However, it would take several more decades before pizza spread beyond Naples and became popular worldwide.
The Influence of Immigrant Cultures on Neapolitan Pizza
Naples, being a bustling port city, saw an influx of travellers and immigrants throughout the centuries. This diverse mix of cultures had a significant impact on the city’s cuisine, introducing a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques. From seafood to spices, these influences enriched the flavours of Neapolitan pizza, adding depth and variety to the dish.
Naples’ Port: A Key Factor in Pizza’s Spread
Naples’ busy port and strategic location as a Mediterranean trade hub played a crucial role in spreading pizza beyond the city. Merchants, sailors, and visitors to Naples sampled pizza, and as they travelled, they took this street food with them, sharing it with the rest of Italy and beyond. The city’s vibrant waterfront, teeming with workers in search of a quick, affordable meal, further contributed to pizza’s growing popularity.
Pizza in the 18th and 19th Centuries: The Evolution of Street Food
By the 18th century, pizza had become a central part of Neapolitan culture. Street vendors, known as pizzaioli, sold simple flatbreads topped with ingredients like oil, tomatoes, and cheese. The development of wood-fired ovens was a game-changer, adding a distinctive smoky flavour and a slight char to the crust that has since become iconic.
Despite pizza’s popularity among the working class, it remained largely unknown in Italy’s wealthier regions and abroad, making it a local speciality for many years.
Neapolitan Pizza’s Journey to America
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants began bringing their culinary traditions to the United States. One of the first documented pizzerias in the U.S. was Gennaro Lombardi’s, which opened in Manhattan in 1905. This marked the beginning of pizza’s journey across the Atlantic and its transformation into a beloved American food. As pizza gained popularity, regional variations such as the New York slice and Chicago deep-dish began to emerge. By the mid-20th century, pizza had become an integral part of American food culture.
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 credited as the world’s first pizzeria. Other legendary establishments, such as L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, founded in 1870, continue to serve authentic Neapolitan pizza, adhering to traditional methods passed down through generations.
UNESCO Recognition: Neapolitan Pizza as Cultural Heritage
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 just the pizza itself, but also the skill and craftsmanship involved in its creation. The dough must be hand-stretched, the ingredients must be simple yet of the highest quality, and the pizza must be cooked in a wood-fired oven. This UNESCO status cemented Neapolitan pizza as more than just food—it is now seen as a cultural treasure that connects modern pizza lovers to centuries of tradition.
Neapolitan Pizza’s Evolution Beyond Naples
While Naples remains the birthplace of pizza, its evolution has seen it spread far and wide. Today, there are countless regional variations, from Roman pizza al taglio to American deep-dish. However, Neapolitan pizza, with its thin crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di bufala, remains the gold standard for pizza purists. Whether you’re enjoying it in Naples or at a modern pizzeria in America, Neapolitan pizza continues to represent the simplicity and artistry of Italian cuisine.
Pizza in Popular Culture: A Global Icon
Neapolitan pizza has become a symbol of Italian culinary tradition and has featured prominently in popular media. From iconic scenes in films such as Eat Pray Love to its constant presence in Italian cinema, pizza has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Its role in films, books, and TV shows underscores its status as not just a meal, but a cultural icon.
Neapolitan Pizza, A Timeless Culinary Legacy
From its ancient Mediterranean roots to its 21st-century global reach, the story of Neapolitan pizza is one of cultural exchange, innovation, and tradition. Whether enjoyed in Naples or adapted across the world, pizza remains a symbol of Italy’s rich culinary history. With its UNESCO recognition and global presence, Neapolitan pizza continues to bring people together, proving that food is not just sustenance—it’s a way to connect cultures and celebrate shared history.
