Campanilismo: Why Every Village in Italy Is the Best

Parochialism describes Italians' deep-rooted pride in their hometown—literally, their attachment to the campanile, the church tower. He explains local rivalries, countless dialects, and why the specialty from the neighboring village is supposedly never as good as their own.

Where does the term come from?

The campanile is the church tower, the symbol of every Italian town. Parochialism refers to the attitude of standing by everything one sees from one's own tower. Its roots lie in the medieval city-states and comuni, which for centuries were independent and often at odds with one another.

How Campanilismo Manifests Itself

• Dialects: The language changes from place to place—Italy has dozens of them.
• Kitchen: Every city has its own specialty, its own bread, and its own type of pasta.
• Festivals: The city's patron saint is celebrated in a big way (e.g., San Gennaro in Naples).
• Rivalries: Soccer derbies and the Palio di Siena, which includes 17 city districts (contrade) ride against each other.

North vs. South, City vs. City

In addition to the major stereotypes about the North and the South, there are, above all, the small rivalries between neighboring cities—Pisa and Livorno, Bari and Lecce. At the same time, the parochialism for a strong sense of community in one's own town: People help one another, celebrate together, and defend their hometown with passion.

What this means for visitors

Take local pride seriously—and make the most of it: Praising the local specialty, the wine, or the old town opens doors and hearts. Ask people what you here You absolutely have to try it. That almost always goes over better than comparing it to the neighboring town.

In a Nutshell

Parochialism is a love for one's own church tower—the source of dialects, regional cuisine, and friendly rivalries. Those who appreciate local pride quickly win people over. Learn more about the local mindset at the bella figura and in the Italian everyday culture.