Italy is famously known as the birthplace of pizza, a dish that has become one of the most beloved and widely consumed foods in the world. Although various forms of flatbreads topped with ingredients existed in different cultures long before, modern pizza as we know it originated in Naples during the late 18th to early 19th century. The classic Neapolitan pizza, made with simple ingredients like tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil, is still considered the gold standard for pizza lovers worldwide. In 1889, pizza gained international recognition when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and tasted a pizza topped with ingredients in the colors of the Italian flag tomato (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green), leading to the creation of the Margherita pizza in her honor.

Today, pizza has become a global phenomenon, with countless variations across the globe, but its roots are firmly planted in Italian culinary tradition. Italian pizzerias, or "pizzerie," are an integral part of the country's culture and dining experience. Whether enjoyed in a rustic trattoria in Naples or in the heart of Rome, pizza remains an iconic symbol of Italian cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Despite its global popularity, Italy continues to protect the tradition of making authentic pizza, with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza Association) working to preserve the methods and quality of traditional pizza making in Italy. Shutdown123