Located in the heart of Italy's Campania region, Caivano is a municipality nestled about 14 kilometers northeast of Naples, within the Metropolitan City of Naples. This city offers a blend of history, industrial activities, and natural beauty, but also faces significant environmental challenges.
Caivano's rich history is evident in its ancient Roman theater remains, found in the frazione (hamlet) of Casolla. The municipality also comprises other frazioni like Valenzano and Pascarola, each contributing to the city's diverse landscape. Notably, Pascarola hosts a substantial industrial area, reflecting Caivano's economic diversification.
However, beneath its historical and industrial layers, Caivano faces significant environmental issues. It has been severely impacted by waste trafficking activities linked to the Camorra, an organized crime group. This has led to Caivano becoming one of the focal points in the "Land of Fires" (Terra dei Fuochi), a region notorious for its ecological devastation due to illegal dumping and burning of waste.
These environmental challenges have profound implications for the city's health and quality of life scores, which are reflected in its overall rating. While Caivano has scored C+ in health, culture, childcare & education, and commute, with a slightly better B+ score in noise levels, these ratings indicate room for improvement across various aspects of living.
Despite these challenges, residents and visitors alike can appreciate the efforts towards preserving historical sites like the Roman theater in Casolla. Moreover, initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental damage are underway, reflecting a push towards sustainability and the well-being of the community.
In summary, Caivano presents a complex picture with its blend of history, industry, and environmental challenges. While it faces significant hurdles, there is also a narrative of resilience and a move towards addressing these issues. For those who value history, industrial heritage, and are interested in seeing efforts towards environmental recovery firsthand, Caivano offers a unique experience.