Italy is home to an incredible variety of pizzas, each reflecting the local ingredients, traditions, and culinary styles of different regions. Here’s an overview of some iconic Italian pizzas you might find as you travel across Italy
1. Pizza Napoletana (Neapolitan)
A delicious and tasty Italian pizza Margherita with fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil, strictly cooked in a wood oven, according to the original tradition of Naples. In 2017 the art of Neapolitan pizza was declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Image in High Definition format.
Origin: Naples
Description: Known worldwide, the Neapolitan pizza has a soft, chewy crust with an airy edge (cornicione) and a slightly charred exterior, thanks to a high-heat wood-fired oven. The toppings are simple yet high-quality, letting each ingredient stand out.
Key Types:
Margherita: Tomato, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Marinara: Tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil—no cheese, making it the oldest and simplest form of Neapolitan pizza.
2. Pizza Romana (Roman)
Roman pizza with mozzarella cheese, capers, arugula and garlic on wooden table
Origin: Rome
Description: With a thin, crisp crust, Roman pizza offers a lighter bite than the chewy Neapolitan. It’s stretched out to be ultra-thin, providing a crunchy texture and a simple, less saucy topping style.
Typical Toppings: Tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, capers, and herbs.
3. Pizza al Taglio (Pizza by the Slice)
Pizza al taglio isolated on black background
Origin: Rome
Description: A popular street food, pizza al taglio is baked in rectangular trays and sold by weight. The base is thicker and fluffy, with an array of toppings. It’s perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Popular Toppings: Potatoes, zucchini flowers, sausage, prosciutto, and mozzarella.
4. Pizza Siciliana (Sicilian)
Pizza four chees view from the top black background
Origin: Sicily
Description: Known for its square shape and thick, spongy crust, this pizza often resembles focaccia. It’s generously topped, sometimes with cheese placed under the sauce to prevent burning.
Classic Ingredients: Anchovies, onions, tomatoes, caciocavallo cheese, and sometimes breadcrumbs for extra texture.
5. Pizza alla Pala
Origin: Rome
Description: Made with a light, airy dough, pizza alla pala is baked on a wooden paddle (pala) and has a slightly crisp, fluffy texture. Its oblong shape and unique fermentation make it a popular choice.
Common Toppings: Arugula, prosciutto, ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and zucchini.
