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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.
Geographical Features:
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 gulfs and tiny water inlets on all three sides.
In 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 Italy is dotted with beach retreats and marine resorts that house tourists from all parts of the world.
Climatic conditions:
Southern Italyexperiences a typical Mediterranean type of climate with mild summers and pleasant winters, except in the extreme north which is freezing cold in winter with occasional snowfalls and dense fogs.
Cultural activities:
Dating back to history, Southern Italy has undergone maximum foreign invasions than the rest of Italy. The Greeks were the first to invade the land, followed by the Normans who colonized Sicily. Southern Italy was also an integral part of the Byzantine Empire long after the downfall of the Roman Empire. The region for quite some time 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 Italy has made it possible for people from different walks of life to co-exist in mutual peace and friendship in the mainland area.
