Archives reveal centuries-old ties with Naples

From local college names to street names, archives reveal close links between the southern Italian port of Naples and China over the centuries, serving as witnesses to the development of cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Luigi Carbone, Naples' city councilor and president of the City Council's commission for culture, tourism and productive activities, says that the ties between Naples and China are deeply rooted in history.

It has "become part of our DNA", says Carbone.

With a winding lane named "Salita dei Cinesi" (Chinese Slope), Naples became home to the Collegio dei Cinesi (Chinese College) almost 300 years ago, when it was founded by Italian missionary Matteo Ripa.

Serving as a painter and translator for the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) royal court, Ripa returned to Italy in 1723 and established the college with a clear mission: to overcome language and cultural barriers by nurturing truly inclusive, cross-cultural talent.

The college later turned into one of the earliest institutions in Europe to systematically teach Chinese language and culture.

After several name changes, the college evolved into the University of Naples L'Orientale, remaining a leading center for Sinology studies in Italy.

According to Antonella Vurchio, a librarian at L'Orientale, the library's earliest core collection came from the Collegio dei Cinesi.

Roberto Tottoli, rector of the university, says the "illuminating legacy" of Collegio dei Cinesi went directly to L'Orientale. In his view, Chinese language and culture studies have been the university's mission from the beginning.

Tottoli says the university's cooperation with Chinese institutions has expanded from language teaching and history to international relations and archaeology. It has signed multiple memorandums of understanding with Chinese partners and entered into cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In addition, the Confucius Institute at L'Orientale has promoted cultural exchanges, people-to-people understanding, and friendship between China and Italy.

Valeria Varriano, director of the Confucius Institute at L'Orientale, says many Italians are first drawn to traditional Chinese culture, and are then surprised by China's vitality.

The institute has become a hub in Naples that connects schools with the university and promotes exchanges between Chinese students in Italy and Italian students, adds Varriano.

Wu Junru, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute of Naples, says the institute serves not only as a language-teaching body but also as a platform for cultural exchanges.

Italian student Davide Saracino says figures such as Matteo Ripa and Marco Polo helped build bridges across civilizations in their era, and it is up to younger generations to continue their work.