The name Mezzogiorno, however, was first used in the nineteenth century. Gradually with time, it became popular among the inhabitants of Italy and the world.Popularly known as the Mezzogiorno, Southern Italyencloses the provinces of Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Campania, Apulia, Sardinia and Sicily within its boundaries.
Southern Italyor Mezzogiorno is considered by many as the real boot of the Italian peninsula. Its ankle comprises Molise and Abruzzo, while Calabria is aptly called the toe of the peninsula. The southern part of Apulia forms the heel of the boot-shaped country and is separated from Taranto, the sole of the boot by the Gulf of Taranto. The country is surrounded by numerous small gulf and tiny water inlets on all three sides.
On the eastern parts of Southern Italy, the Adriatic Sea offers an exquisite view, and moves further to meet the Mediterranean through the Strait of Otranto. The southern tip of the Italian boot consisting of the Monte Gargano peninsula, is surrounded by numerous gulfs; Naples, Salerno and Gaeta. The vast coastal area of Southern Italyis dotted with beach retreats and marine resort that house tourists from all parts of the world.
Southern Italyexperiences typical Mediterranean type of climate with mild summers and pleasant winters, except the extreme north which is freezing cold in winter with occasional snowfalls and dense fogs.
Dating back to history, Southern Italyhas undergone maximum foreign invasions than rest of Italy. The Greeks were the first to invade the land, followed by Normans who colonized in Sicily. Southern Italywas also an integral part of the Byzantine Empire long after the downfall of the Roman Empire. The region for quite sometime was under the strong rule of powerful Austrian and Spanish invaders. So it is natural for the place to have an assorted culture. This diverse cultural pattern of Southern Italyhas made it possible for people from different walks of life to co-exist in mutual peace and friendship on the mainland area.
Last Updated on: December 2nd, 2017