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PROCIDA
The smallest island
of the Gulf, is a little treasure of Mediterranean
taste with fishermen villages embracing the tufa edges of
this other volcanic island.
Prochyta was its name under the Roman epoque.
It seems to derive by Prima Cyme, that means
near to Cuma, the first Greek
colony in the mainland after Ischia's
foundation (VII cent. b.C.).
Recent findings seem to report the existence of more ancient
settlements (XIV cent. b.C) of Mycenaean epoque.
During the Roman Empire some noble villas were built in Procida
that was also known for its good wine. After the end of the
Roman Empire it was invaded by Goths and Vandals and then
annexed to the Byzantin Empire. During Middle Ages Procida
suffered Saracens' invasions and was later
annexed to the Norman reign (X cent.). The town walls and
several sighting towers date back to this period even if the
invasions continued until the XVI century and ended only after
the Battle of Lepanto (October 7th 1571). Procida then became
important for the constructions of ships till the XX century
when a small tourist industry raises.
Nice churches, the old castle-prison and
wonderful sceneries of both Pozzuoli
and Naples Gulf make it very pleasant.
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