Matilde Serao was one of the most remarkable women in Italian journalism and literature. A trailblazer in a male-dominated world, she was the first woman to found and direct a newspaper in Italy. With her sharp writing and deep understanding of society, she gave a voice to the struggles, dreams, and beauty of Naples, the city she loved and described with unparalleled passion.
A Life Dedicated to Writing
Born in 1856 in Patras, Greece, to an Italian father and a Greek mother, Matilde moved to Naples as a child, where she would develop a profound connection with the city. Despite financial struggles, she pursued an education and soon found her talent in writing. She started her career as a journalist and novelist, quickly gaining recognition for her unique storytelling and ability to capture the essence of Naples.
In 1885, she co-founded Il Mattino, one of Italy’s most important newspapers, alongside her husband Edoardo Scarfoglio. Later, in 1904, she established Il Giorno, becoming the first woman in Italy to direct a major newspaper. Her work was revolutionary, she reported on the lives of ordinary people, denounced social injustices, and shed light on the reality of Naples beyond its picturesque landscapes.
The Naples of Matilde Serao
Through her novels and journalistic pieces, Matilde Serao painted a vivid picture of Naples. She wrote about its vibrant streets, its deep-rooted traditions, and the daily struggles of its people. She did not shy away from discussing poverty, superstition, and the challenges of modernity, yet she also celebrated the city’s resilience and beauty.
Her most famous novel, Il Paese di Cuccagna (The Land of Cockaigne), delves into the obsession with the lottery among Neapolitans, portraying the hope and despair it brings. Other works, like Il Ventre di Napoli (The Belly of Naples), exposed the harsh conditions in the city’s poorest neighborhoods, drawing attention to issues that many preferred to ignore.
Discover Naples with City Sightseeing Italy
To truly experience the city that inspired Matilde Serao, there is no better way than exploring Naples with the City Sightseeing Italy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
Start your journey in the historic Spaccanapoli, where Serao’s characters and stories come to life among the narrow streets and bustling markets. Then, hop on the bus to visit Piazza del Plebiscito, one of Naples’ most iconic squares, and the National Archaeological Museum, home to treasures that fascinated the writer.
Don’t miss the chance to see San Carlo Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest opera houses, a place Serao often wrote about in her articles. With the convenience of the hop-on hop-off service, you can explore Naples at your own pace, taking in its energy and history just as Matilde Serao once did.
A legacy that lives on
Matilde Serao passed away in 1927, but her legacy remains deeply rooted in Naples. Her fearless journalism and literary works continue to inspire writers, historians, and those who seek to understand the true soul of the city.
As you travel through Naples, whether on foot or aboard the City Sightseeing Italy Bus, take a moment to appreciate the world that Matilde Serao so passionately described. Her words still echo in the streets, the markets, and the people—reminding us that Naples is not just a city, but a living story.
