An Ode to the Artichoke

An eco-gastronomic evening in the heart of the Agro Nocerino

An Ode to the Artichoke is the event that the Pro Loco Urbs Nuceria APS dedicates to one of the most iconic vegetables of the Campania spring. The evening takes place in Nocera Superiore, a municipality in the province of Salerno, Campania, within the walls of Villa De Ruggiero: a historic residence that serves as the association's headquarters and now houses a provincial museum.

This is not a traditional food festival with stalls and booths, but rather a more intimate and original format. For years, the Pro Loco has been hosting a series of eco-gastronomic and cultural evenings, each centered around a single local product: starting with agronomic and nutritional insights, moving through local history and culture, and concluding at the table. The artichoke, the star of the 2026 edition, is perhaps the most natural candidate for this formula.

The artichoke, an extraordinary food

The common thread defined by the organizers is simple: to present the artichoke as an extraordinary food, combining eco-gastronomy and culture in a way that nourishes both the mind and the palate. The presentations explore the vegetable's authentic flavor, its nutritional value, and, above all, its connection to the land where it is grown.

This theme has deep roots in this part of Campania. The province of Salerno is the home of the PGI Paestum Artichoke, the famous "Tondo di Paestum" from the Sele Plain, which is harvested between February and May. Meanwhile, the Agro Nocerino Sarnese remains one of the most fertile horticultural areas in Southern Italy. Discussing the artichoke in Nocera Superiore means talking about agriculture, landscape, and the local economy, not just recipes.

The speakers

The evening brings together voices from the agricultural, professional, and journalistic sectors of the Salerno area:

• Giovanni Rescigno, President of Pro Loco Urbs Nuceria APS, for the opening remarks;
• Damiano Odierna, Provincial Deputy Director of Coldiretti Salerno, on the economic and territorial value of the crop;
• Rossella Robusto, Provincial President of the Order of Agronomists and Forestry Doctors, on agronomic and cultivation aspects;
• Lucia Sellitti, ProfAgri lecturer and nutritionist, on the health and nutritional qualities of the artichoke;
• Domenico Barbati, journalist for "Il Mattino", acting as moderator.

The initiative is supported by UNPLI, the National Union of Pro Loco of Italy, of which the Nocera association is a member.

A tasting session signed by the Monsù

The finale is left to the kitchen. The "Monsù surprise," curated by Nicola De Falco, concludes the evening with unexpected pairings born of passion and skill: pasta with artichoke sauce, crostini, and other dishes served in the villa's outdoor areas. It is the moment when the educational aspect becomes a tangible experience, allowing the audience to verify everything they have just learned with their own palates.

Villa De Ruggiero, a fitting setting

Villa De Ruggiero is a noble residence built between 1810 and 1831 along the banks of the Cavaiola stream. Since 2009, it has housed the R.A.A.P. (Collection of Applied Arts of the Province of Salerno): nine thematic sections dedicated to decorative ceramics, Neapolitan and Vietri tiles, textiles, painted glass, and batik, with a focus on Northern European artists who frequented the Amalfi Coast in the 1920s and 1930s. Museum admission is free, and the villa is open from Tuesday to Sunday; those arriving early can easily combine a visit with the evening event.

A community project

Behind the initiative lies the work of an association deeply rooted in local life: Pro Loco Urbs Nuceria APS enlivens Villa De Ruggiero with children's readings, exhibitions, author meetings, and health prevention campaigns. These eco-gastronomic evenings are among their most successful formats, bringing producers, experts, teachers, and curious visitors to the same table. For those visiting the Agro Nocerino Sarnese, it is also an opportunity to discover a municipality often passed through in haste between Naples and Salerno, yet rich in history: the ancient Nuceria Alfaterna once stood here, and its archaeological park remains one of the city's cultural landmarks.