Published in Rimini in 1960, this map of Campania is not merely a navigational tool, but a true illustrated atlas that celebrates the region’s architectural and scenic heritage. The graphic style, typical of mid-20th-century cartography, blends technical precision with an aesthetic sensibility that elevates the object from a simple map to a decorative work of art.
An Illustrated Journey
The most distinctive feature of this work is the rich border of vignettes surrounding the central map. These small, colorful icons, distributed along the four sides, transform the act of consulting the map into a visual journey through the “wonders” of Campania:
Pompeii and Herculaneum: Views of the archaeological excavations emphasize the charm of antiquity that still defines the region’s historical identity today.
Capri and the Gulf of Naples: There is no shortage of references to one of the world’s most famous panoramas, with depictions of the Faraglioni and the unmistakable silhouette of Vesuvius—icons that epitomize the myth of the Italian “Dolce Vita.”
Civil and Religious Architecture: The selection also includes the artistic grandeur of cathedrals and abbeys, offering a panorama that spans from the Greco-Roman period through the medieval and Renaissance eras, suggesting a comprehensive cultural itinerary for the traveler of that time.
Alongside its rich decorative elements, the map maintains a solid cartographic foundation with a scale of 1:250,000—a medium-scale ideal for providing an overview of the entire region, from the Tyrrhenian coast to the Apennine hinterland. The information provided is comprehensive, clearly distinguishing the main road network (highways and state roads) from the secondary network. The elevation profile included in the explanatory box offers a concise representation of the terrain, essential for understanding the region’s complex topography, characterized by the contrast between the coastal plains and the mountainous ridge of the Campanian Apennines.
Bruno Ghigi (1918–2009) was a multifaceted figure in the cultural landscape of both Romagna and Italy. In addition to his work as a cartographer and publisher based in Rimini, he was a tireless scholar of popular culture, folklore, and local history. His publications stood out for their graphic design and their aim of making the historical and geographical heritage accessible to the general public. His dedication to promoting the region led him to publish numerous documentary volumes, cementing his reputation as an intellectual attentive to the traditions and historical memory of our country.
