On the Pizza route, resist if you can

Ancient Egypt or China - its origins are still shrouded in mystery. However, pizza as we know it was born in Italy. It is one of the most famous foods in the world, and it became particularly popular in the US thanks to Italian immigrants.

Discover the secret behind the success of this delicacy and learn the difference between the various types of pizza.

Welcome to Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Neapolitan pizzaiolos take their job very seriously - not the least because a certified pizza has to meet a long list of requirements, including the pH of the dough, the density of the cheese, and the shape of the pizza itself.

It is not for nothing that this Neapolitan art is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Served in individual portions as per the Italian tradition, Neapolitan pizza has very few ingredients and a sandy, elastic dough that folds easily. Therefore, you don't need a fork and knife - you just eat it with your hands. Tomato sauce, cheese and basil are crucial.

After savoring Naples' greatest icon, take a walk to Castel dell'Ovo. Built in the early 6th century BCE, the castle hosts a permanent art exhibition and some temporary ones as well. Head off to the port, the gateway to the Mediterranean. This is where boats set sail for Capri, making the port a very busy place.

When in Rome, eat Roman Pizza

Rome is another destination where you can eat a special kind of pizza. In the Italian capital, the dough is much thinner and crispy; crusts are not scorched and the sauce and toppings are scarce. While Neapolitan pizza is baked in a wood oven, Roman pizza is usually baked in an electric oven. After a delicious meal, take the opportunity to explore the Eternal City. The Colosseum is a must-see, and so is the Fontana di Trevi. Click as many photos as you want - the statues deserve it - and don't forget to toss in a coin while making a wish.

Finally, you must visit Vatican City, which is within walking distance from downtown Rome. Stroll along St. Peter's Square, right in front of the eponymous Basilica. Enter the Basilica and marvel at Michelangelo and Raphael's art. Wrap up your tour at the Sistine Chapel, famous for its architecture and frescoes -painted by the aforementioned artists and by Botticelli and Perugino as well.

In Milan, Pizza is fashionable

The capital of Lombardy also has its own kind of pizza. Pizza al trancio is tall, soft, and slightly crispy on the base. Baked in an electric or wood oven, this round, crust-free pizza is usually topped with mozzarella, anchovies, oregano, and tomato. After eating one or more slices, head to Chiesa Santa Maria Della Grazie, famous for hosting Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. After admiring this Renaissance masterpiece, take some time to explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - one of the finest examples of iron-based architecture and the archetype of 19th-century shopping galleries.

To wrap up the Italian menu, try a calzone pizza. First created in Apulia, this folded dough disc can be found anywhere across the country. The topping includes mozzarella, tomato sauce, meat, and vegetables.

American Pizza

Italian immigrants brought pizza to the US in the early 20th century - and it had a good reception. The dough is taller and the toppings may include pepperoni, onion, pepper, minced meat, and even pineapple. New York is the capital of this version of Neapolitan pizza. Savor one, two or more slices and, to burn off calories, head to Central Park - one of the Big Apple's most famous attractions. Take the opportunity to stroll along the lively Manhattan streets, and don't even think of postponing a visit to MoMA or a Broadway play.

Chicago. Home to the Bulls, Chicago is also included on the pizza route; thick, delicious and with many ingredients, this kind of pizza makes mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and tomato sauce shine. Let yourself be seduced and don't forget to climb to the top of the iconic Willis Tower. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center and take some time to enjoy a musical in the evening.

If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to try California pizza - a combination of New York dough with toppings inspired by the cuisine of this US state. Don't be surprised if the menu includes Thai pizzas with peanut sauce, pizzas that look like tacos, or pizza with chicken and barbecue sauce. However, the famous Golden Gate Bridge may seem familiar to you. Grab your camera, enjoy an unforgettable tram ride and take some photos of the city's incredible hills.

Did this make you love pizza even more? Fly to an Italian or American city to savor this world-famous delicacy. You can go on a diet when you get back! 

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