When most people think of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Pompei and Amalfi come to mind. Mention Procida and most people will say, “Where’s that?” Many of these same people will be quite surprised to learn that they know more about Procida than they realize.
Colorful Procida is perfect for "un mezzo giorno" or a weekend escape / Photo: Valerio Russo
Procida, which is only about 1.5 square miles, has been the center of a lot of big screen attention. Have you seen “The Talented Mr. Ripley” with Matt Damon, Jude Law & Gwyneth Paltrow? Or, what about the Italian-made classic “Il Postino?” If you’ve answered “yes,” then you have already seen most of this tiny gem off the coast of Naples.
Colorful Via San Rocco featured prominently in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" / Photo: Lisa Fantino
The 1999 thriller, “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” has Law’s and Paltrow’s characters vacationing at the small fictional resort of Mongibello, which is mainly Procida with some scenes shot on the neighboring larger island of Ischia. Damon’s character stalks after the couple on holiday and finds him riding a scooter down the narrow, colorful Via San Rocco with its cotton-candy-colored houses, eventually leading to the sun-flowered yellow church of Madonna della Grazie.
Just five years earlier, the 1994 romance, “Il Postino,” tells the tale of Mario (played by Massimo Troisi), a local postman who is said to live on the island of Capri, where noted poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret) wrote some of his most romantic verses. Funny thing though……the film actually takes place on Procida.
"Il Postino" sending love letters from Procida / Photo: Valerio Russo
The tiny Italian island is perfect for a weekend escape and very romantic. Fishing is its mainstay and the rugged coast and rocky beaches set the perfect contrast for “Il Postino’s” Mario to ponder the delicacies of love and how he pines for the beautiful Beatrice. Today, the red-painted post office in the film stands brightly in La Piazza dei Martiri and La Taverna del Postino, where Mario languished for his love, is still open at the water’s edge of Marina di Corricella.
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No clue that The Talented Mr. Ripley was filmed here. I need to see that movie again, but I’ll keep my eyes open for Procida.
Once bitten by Procida you will forever be mesmerized!
I fell in love with Procida because I was in love with Massimo Troisi. Had he still been alive, I would have whisked him off on my Vespa (which I would have bought for that purpose) along the streets of the island. Sigh.
So funny……….and I am sure he would’ve gone with you gladly!
I listen the first time the name of Procida.The post shows that it is good place to travel for spending vacations.In future during my Italy Travel time I will surely visit Procida.