Monte di Procida
Monte di Procida: a charming place in Campania
Monte di Procida is a town located in the metropolitan city of Naples, in Campania. With a population of approximately 11,763 people, it is situated on the promontory of the Campi Flegrei with a view of the Island of Procida, separated from the mainland by the Procida Channel. Archaeological evidence shows that Monte di Procida has been inhabited since the middle-upper Neolithic period in the Bellavista/Torre Fumo area. For a long time, Monte di Procida was called Monte Cumano, a village of the city of Cuma. With the foundation of the colony of Miseno (Bacoli), Monte di Procida was renamed Monte Miseno.
The history of Monte di Procida
The 5th century AD was a challenging period for Monte di Procida, as the barbarians destroyed the territory around Baia and Miseno. The inhabitants of Cuma, Pozzuoli, and Miseno split in two: some fled to Naples, while others turned to agriculture and fishing in Monte di Procida. In 850 AD, Miseno was destroyed by the Saracens, and many of its citizens chose to escape instead of dying. Part of the population reached the Island of Procida, while others moved to Frattamaggiore, a flat area of the current hinterland.
As a result of these events, the territory of Monte di Procida joined the Island of Procida, and the part of the mainland was abandoned. The mountain was covered in wild vegetation, becoming an almost inaccessible forest that, in the second half of the 15th century, King Ferdinand I of Naples designated for royal hunts. Colonization and repopulation of the area only began in the 17th century by the inhabitants of Procida, which is why Monte acquired the suffix "di Procida" to signal their close connection with the island.
In those years, the forest was gradually dismantled, and wheat was sowed. Then they made space for the vines and the characteristic montesi corkscrews, which gave rise to the famous Montese wine. They also raised small animals, mainly rabbits, in the characteristic ditches and terrace the land, giving a great boost to the growth of Monte di Procida. The trade in these products led to the traditional marineria montese, which peaked in the 20th century.
The municipality was administratively established on January 27, 1907, when a referendum resulted in the separation of the part of the mainland and the nearby islet of San Martino from the rest of the Municipality of Procida, creating the current municipality of Monte di Procida.
The beauty of the territory
The territory of Monte di Procida is the perfect example of a harmonious combination of mountains and sea. The mountain overlooks the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Island of Procida and Capo Miseno. At the foot of the mountains, there is a fertile plain, a place for cultivating vegetables and producing a wide variety of fine wines. From olive trees to vines, the countryside offers visitors an incredible experience.
Agriculture and wine production in Monte di Procida
In addition to fishing and tourism, agriculture represents the main source of income in Monte di Procida. The hills are where vegetable cultivation is extended, while the lower areas are particularly suited to growing wheat and vines that produce the famous Montese wine. In fact, the city has a dozen wineries, all productive of wines of the highest quality.
The festivals of Monte di Procida
Monte di Procida is best known for its "Corteo Storico della Madonna Assunta," which is celebrated every August 15th. This is a traditional procession, in which hundreds of residents climb the hill on which the church is located, wearing period costumes. The Church of the Assumption of Mary is also a renowned place of worship in the city, highly venerated.
Furthermore, one of the most anticipated celebrations in the municipality is the Women's Harvest during the last week of September when hundreds of women join in the grape processing for new wine productions. The festival includes wine and local food tastings, music, and singing.
Conclusion
Monte di Procida is a unique and charming town, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The territory is a perfect combination of mountains and sea, and abundant agricultural and wine production makes it a place of undisputed tourist interest. The traditional festivals of Monte di Procida, such as the "Corteo Storico della Madonna Assunta" and the Women's Harvest, create memorable experiences for visitors. There is no doubt: Monte di Procida is worth a visit.
