The essay analyses the diverse typologies of urban aggregates that characterize the landscape of Campania in the Early Modern Age, from the 16th to the 18th century. This paper adopts a polycentric perspective, taking into account the various places of community life in the region, from the capital city to the different cities and towns.
The relationship between the city and the countryside, as well as the connection between the political government and the social stratification, constitute key elements for reflection. The territorial development during this period was influenced by the power dynamics of the elites, as well as the forms and meanings of private and public occupation of urban space, and the urban transformation trajectories.
Urban metamorphosis was shaped by both natural disasters and political-military events. Additionally, changes in occupation and population demographics significantly impacted urban planning and growth. Ultimately, the aim of this study is to allocate a nuanced understanding to the complex urban dynamics of Early Modern Campania, emphasizing the significance of the places where people lived during this period.