The Cuccuma. History and Ritual of Neapolitan Coffee

The Cuccuma. History and Ritual of Neapolitan Coffee is not simply a book about a traditional Neapolitan coffee pot.

It is the story of an everyday object that, in Naples, became ritual, language and memory.

Through the cuccuma, the book explores the relationship between coffee, the home, craftsmanship, the city, theatre, design and hospitality. It follows the object through its material and cultural history: artisan workshops, domestic rituals, the courtyards and windows of Naples, Matilde Serao, the theatre of Eduardo De Filippo, the work of Riccardo Dalisi and the surprising relevance of an apparently ancient utensil in the contemporary world.

At the centre of the book lies a simple question: what happens when we give time back to the gestures we repeat every day?

The cuccuma works by gravity. It asks for attention, waiting and care. It does not promise speed. Instead, it transforms the preparation of coffee into a small interval where technique, hospitality and human connection meet again.

The volume also includes a practical appendix on how to use the Neapolitan coffee pot, including grind size, dose, water, the cuppetiello and preparation techniques.

A book about Naples and coffee, but above all about a different quality of time.

Author: Guglielmo Campajola

Edizioni La Caffettiera — 2026

Digital PDF edition