The legendary pizza from Naples, Italy
An iconic Italian tradition
recognized by UNESCO.
Discover the authentic recipe, cultural significance, and
protected status of Neapolitan pizza.
Neapolitan pizza (Italian: pizza napoletana; Neapolitan: pizza napulitana) is the version of the round pizza typically prepared in the Italian city of Naples and characterised by a soft, thin dough with high edges. It is one of the world's most recognizable and beloved culinary traditions, representing centuries of Neapolitan and Italian heritage.
UNESCO Recognition: The art of Neapolitan pizzaiuolo (pizza making) was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
Neapolitan pizza holds a protected designation as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) product by the European Union since February 5, 2010. This official recognition ensures that only pizza produced according to traditional Neapolitan methods and standards can bear the authentic designation.
Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, the capital city of the Campania region in southern Italy. The pizza emerged from the rich culinary traditions of this Mediterranean city, where quality ingredients, artisanal craftsmanship, and centuries of culinary wisdom converge.
The simplicity of Neapolitan pizza reflects a fundamental Italian culinary principle: quality ingredients require minimal embellishment. The pizza speaks for itself through the excellence of its component parts.
According to the regulations established by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), the preparation of authentic Neapolitan pizza follows strictly defined procedures that have been refined over generations.
The genuine Neapolitan pizza dough consists of the following components:
Important: The dough is always fat-free and sugar-free. The regulations specify that the flour must be primarily medium-strength (11–13.5% protein), with no more than 20% of the flour being strong flour (W value above 350).
Since the end of World War II in Italy, when strong flour was imported from Canada as part of the Marshall Plan, this strong flour has been called Manitoba flour.
The pizza must be baked in a wood-fired oven at 485°C (905°F) for 60–90 seconds. This high heat and short cooking time create the characteristic texture and flavor. When cooked properly, the pizza should be:
Neapolitan pizza's quality is fundamentally determined by the excellence of its ingredients. Strict guidelines ensure that only the finest products are used.
The tomatoes are traditionally either:
The cheese is traditionally one of the following premium varieties:
Although strict tradition recognizes only two variations, authentic Neapolitan pizzas include:
| Pizza Variety | Main Components |
|---|---|
| Pizza Margherita | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, olive oil – representing the Italian flag colors |
| Pizza Marinara | Tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, olive oil – traditionally prepared for fishermen ("marinari") |
Neapolitan pizza has a protected status granted by the Italian Standardization Body, administered by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). A protected designation is available to pizzerias that meet strict requirements in following Neapolitan traditions in the art of pizza making.
The association enforces its guidelines in part through the use of mystery shoppers, who evaluate restaurants to ensure compliance with authentic Neapolitan standards.
The European Union has recognised pizza napoletana as a traditional speciality guaranteed since 5 February 2010. The TSG certification attests that a particular food product objectively possesses specific characteristics which differentiate it from all others in its category.
To qualify for TSG certification, a food product must demonstrate that:
In a landmark decision, UNESCO inscribed the "Art of Neapolitan 'Pizzaiuolo'" on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.
The UNESCO recognition acknowledges that Neapolitan pizza-making is more than just food preparation—it is a comprehensive cultural practice encompassing:
This recognition ensures that the traditional methods and cultural values surrounding Neapolitan pizza-making will be preserved and promoted for future generations.
This comprehensive guide documents the history, ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance of Neapolitan pizza. From its protected status in the European Union to its recognition by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, this guide explores all aspects of this iconic Italian culinary tradition. Neapolitan pizza represents not just food, but a living cultural heritage that has been perfected over centuries.