Intangible Cultural Heritage
Art of Neapolitan ‘Pizzaiuolo’
The art of the Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo is a culinary practice comprising four different phases relating to the preparation of the dough and its baking in a woodfired oven involving a rotatory movement by the baker The element originates in Naples the capital of the Campania Region where about 3000 Pizzaiuoli now live and perform Pizzaiuoli are a living link for the communities concerned There are three primary categories of bearers the Master Pizzaiuolo the Pizzaiuolo and the baker as well as the families in Naples who reproduce the art in their own homes The element fosters social gatherings and intergenerational exchange and assumes a character of the spectacular with the Pizzaiuolo at the centre of their bottega sharing their art Every year the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli organizes courses focused on the history instruments and techniques of the art in order to continue to ensure its viability Technical knowhow is also guaranteed in Naples by specific academies and apprentices can learn the art in their family homes However knowledge and skills are primarily transmitted in the bottega where young apprentices observe masters at work learning all the key phases and elements of the craft
Italy -