Florence, Bologna, Genoa, Cagliari, Lecce, Siena, Palermo, Matera, Tropea, and Parma. The directory of former Italian and European Capitals of Culture reads as an all too tempting rundown of ‘where to visit in Italy’, with several of the country’s most outstanding destinations receiving the accolade. Indeed, joining the list of winners is somewhat of a fait accompli for securing the interest of tourists - foreign and national - for years to come.

It was therefore a little surprising to learn that the local mayor wasn’t entirely enthusiastic when the domestic crown passed to the tiny island of Procida in 2022, his joy at being chosen tempered by a very real fear that “the Capital of Culture puts us too much in view”.