Sorrento Peninsula · Pizza by the Meter
Vico Equense
The medieval town where pizza by the meter was born in 1938. An authentic center, Giusso Castle perched over the sea, and fewer tourists than Sorrento-just 15 minutes away by train.
Vico Equense is often overlooked by tourists heading straight to Sorrento. This is a mistake: the medieval center perched on the cliff, the 12th-century Giusso Castle, and especially Gigino's pizza by the meter deserve at least a half-day.
Did you know?
1938
year pizza by the meter was invented
105 m
Castle altitude above sea
21,000
residents
Gigino Dell'Amura invented pizza by the meter in 1938 because customers wanted larger portions. His trattoria - now known as Università della Pizza - is still open with the same original recipe.
What to see in Vico Equense
Giusso Castle
A 12th-century medieval castle perched 105m above the sea. Today hosts cultural events and weddings. Viewable from outside for free; visits by appointment. Offers some of the peninsula's finest views of the Gulf of Naples.
Pizza by the Meter at Da Gigino
The inventor of pizza by the meter: Gigino Dell'Amura opened in 1938 what is now called Trattoria Università della Pizza. Order by the meter with different toppings per section. Honest prices (~€8–12/meter), almost always a queue in the evening. Via Nicotera 15.
Vico Equense Cathedral
The 14th-century Basilica della SS. Annunziata, one of the few Gothic buildings in Campania. Simple facade but interior with frescoes and a medieval crypt. Free entry, limited opening hours.
Marina di Vico
A small harbor and pebble beach at the foot of the cliff, reachable by road from the center. Quieter than the Sorrento beaches, with a few beach clubs and fishing boats.