The iconic Bay of Procida Island in Naples was named the Cultural Capital of Italy in 2022. 

Procida defeated nine other candidates. These are: Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri, L’Aquila, Pieve di Sorigo (near Treviso), Taranto, Trapani, Verbania, Lake Maggiore and Volterra. 

Dario Franceschini, the Minister of Culture who participated in the jury’s selection, said: “Today’s nomination of the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022 marks the future of (post_COVID) recovery.” 

He said that by 2022, “ We will return to normal, and culture and tourism will become more important and powerful as before the pandemic.” He pointed out that the annual selection “has started a glamorous process like the Oscar candidates.” 

Procida Mayor Dino Ambrosino said: “This is a great joy. Procida is a metaphor for many communities who have rediscovered their passion and pride in the local area and want to redeem their land. We believe Culture can be the detonator of strategic recovery plan.” 

He added: “For a small island, this is a rare opportunity and we will work hard to make Italy proud of it.