Overview

• Angela Merkel made a surprise visit to Pizzeria Battarra in Naples on Monday evening during her latest trip to Italy.
• A bodyguard informed the owner, Pierpaolo Battarra, of Merkel's arrival, which he initially thought was a joke.
• Merkel dined on the house specialty omelette, enjoyed a pizza, and took a fried pizza to go while security personnel remained outside the restaurant.
• Photos and videos of Merkel's visit, published by the pizzeria owner days later, quickly gained traction on Italian social media and news outlets.
• Merkel has a long-standing tradition of incognito vacations in Italy, particularly on the island of Ischia, where she seeks relaxation away from politics.