Ventotene Island

Ventotene, in Roman times known as Pandataria or Pandateria from the Greek Pandateria (Ancient Greek: Πανδατερία) or Pandatoria (Ancient Greek: Πανδατωρία), is one of the Pontine Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, 46 kilometres (25 nmi) off the coast of Gaeta right at the border between Lazio and Campania, Italy. The municipality of Ventotene, of the province of Latina (Lazio) had 708 permanent residents as of 2008.

Ventotene Island

The island, the remains of an ancient volcano, is elongated, with a length of 3 kilometres (2 miles) and a maximum width of about 800 metres (2,625 feet).

The municipality includes the small ancillary island of Santo Stefano, located 2 km (1 mi) to the east, which is the site of a massive prison, now closed. A further island, Ponza, is 40 km (25 mi) to the west.

Ventotene Island

The island is connected by ferry and hydrofoil service to Formia and Anzio; this is supplemented by summer services from and to Ischia.

The port has kept some tuff structures of the ancient Roman structure; on the island are also remains of villas and the extensive rainwater catchment system of channels and cisterns hewn from the bedrock, for the island has no natural springs of fresh water, which today is shipped in by tanker.

Ventotene Island

In July 2009, archaeologists announced the discovery of a "graveyard" of five ancient Roman ships in the deep waters off Ventotene, with their pristine cargoes of olive oil, garum and metal ingots.

One ship carried a full load of a kind of dish called a mortarium, in which foods were ground or mashed. Some of the recovered objects were immediately placed on view at Ventotene.

Capri Island

Capri is an island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples. The main town Capri that is located on the island shares the name. It has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic.

Capri Island

Capri Island

Some of the main features of the island include the following: the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.

Capri Island

Capri is a tourist destination for both Italians and foreigners. In the 1950s Capri became a popular resort. In summer, the island is heavily visited by tourists, especially by day trippers from Naples and Sorrento. Many of these visitors make it a point to wear the pants named after the destination. The center of Capri is the Piazza.

Capri Island

Capri is home to the Mediterranean bush, the Arboreal Euphorbia, and the Ilex Wood. The native inhabitants on the island include quails, robins, peregrine falcons, woodcocks, blackbirds, geckos, red goldfish, conger eels, sargos, groupers, mullets, and the blue lizard of the Faraglioni.

Capri Island

Capri has twelve churches, seven museums and several monuments. The most visited attraction in Capri is the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto). It is a special cave, discovered in the 19th century by foreign tourists and has been a phenomenon ever since. On one side of the grotto are the remains of ancient Roman rock, with a narrow cavern.

The Magician's Grotto

 In the southeastern coast of the island of Ischia, appears the Magician’s Grotto.

The Magician's Grotto

The fishermen, in the past, found there refuge from the rain. The name “Magician’s Grotto” derives from the legend of some fishermen that swore they saw an old giant, with flowing hair and beard, sitting on a rock of the cave and mysterious voices of girls.

The Magician's Grotto

Generally, after the rain, catching fish can easier, but fishermen attributed to the help of that mysterious benign spirit.

Today has become a destination for visiting, for those who perform around the island from the sea.

Pilastri Aqueduct

The Pilastri aqueduct was built in the sixteenth century, to remedy the shortage of water of the then Village of Celsa, now Ischia Ponte. About 550 meters long, it connects the Spalatriello, along the plain of the Rio Corbore, lookout hill that leads to Sant'Antuono. In 1580 the inhabitants of the Village of Celsa live the daily drama of a fair shortage of water. Main cause of the general heat is the final disappearance, after decades of bradeyism, the source of fresh water Ninfario that emerged at the Tower of Guevara (or Michelangelo). 

The complaints of the inhabitants of the Village of Celsa did not take long to reach the palace of the viceroy, Cardinal Antonio Granvela Perrenot, who did not remain indifferent to the pleas of Ischian people, promptly decided to send to the island knight Orazio Tuttavilla, a Spanish expert in water systems as "governor". 

Pilastri Aqueduct

Orazio Tuttavilla landed at Ischia in 1580 and took on the Buceto hill, accompanied by Calabrian doctor Giulio Jasolino. At an altitude of 400 meters was found a spring of fresh water, pure water, which flowed in the valleys of losing pool Fiaiano along a much steeper and therefore very favorable to build a plant in freefall, the only one knew at that time. 

The works began in 1581 with the digging 14 km deep, descent and tubes of cast iron sealed in lead. The workers yield before the fact that in front of them the plain of Rio Carbore and the climb of Sant’Antuono appeared. The rivulet of water, abundant in winter, but poor in summer, would not have pass the limits to across ground. The heavy cost were already over. These facts changed the Don Orazio’s projet, in orde to stop it. 

Pilastri Aqueduct

The turning point will be in 1673, when the bishop entered the diocese Girolamo Rocca. “Scientist” plumber began an important plan coping the building of Roman aqueducts realized avove bridges and arches, except retaining walls. The bishop Rocca ‘blessed’ the plan by dukes arrived on the occasion of the building and soon called authorities. 

A spring morning in 1685 the valiant bishop Girolamo Rocca, blessed the wonderful jet of the water of Buceto which flood the marble fountain, decorated with 4 dophins, adjoining the church of Collegiata.

Weighed on a slab of the fountain: these are waters deriving from food, thirst, as good master, learned to sustain hunger.

La Mortella Gardens

La Mortella (Italian: place of myrtles) is a private garden located in Forio-San Francesco. Was first opened to the public in 1992 and was created by Susana Walton (1926–2010), wife of the composer William Walton, in 1950 as the main residence for the couple.

La Mortella Gardens

The garden, was originally the property of the English composer William Walton. Walton lived in the villa next to the gardens with his Argentine wife Susana. When the composer arrived on the island in 1946, he immediately called Russell Page from England to lay out the garden. Tropical and Mediterranean plants were planted and some have now reached considerable proportions. The gardens include views over the city and harbour of Forio.

La Mortella Gardens

A museum dedicated to the life and work of William Walton is now part of the garden complex. It hosts the William Walton Foundation and a Greek Theatre where Italian and foreign schools of music perform more than 70 weekend concerts, plus masterclasses and a programme for composers from Harvard University. In 2004 it was awarded First Prize as il più bel parco d’Italia (the most beautiful park in Italy) by the American company Briggs & Stratton, against competition from 100 other gardens.

La Mortella Gardens

To have more information click here.

Mount Epomeo Ischia

Mount Epomeo (Italian: Monte Epomeo) is the highest mountain on the island of Ischia. Epomeo is believed to be a volcanic horst.

Mount Epomeo Ischia

Reaching a height of 789 metres (2,589 ft), it towers above the rest of Ischia. Much of Epomeo is covered in lush greenery, with a few vineyards also occupying its slopes. Approximately 75 metres (246 ft) from the peak the mountain is covered in white lava.

Mount Epomeo Ischia

A path leads to the summit of the mountain from Fontana, one of its quiet traditional villages.

 

Mount Epomeo Ischia

It is possible to climb the Mount Epomeo by hourse riding, like in the old tradition of the Island. For more information click here. 

Sant'Angelo, Ischia

Sant'Angelo is located on the southern coast of Ischia in Serrara Fontana; a pretty mixture of houses piled higgledy-piggledy on the slopes facing the sea. A small isthmus, alongside a packed beach, connects the mainland to a rocky outcrop, which was once topped by a tower destroyed by the English.

 Sant'Angelo, Ischia

Inland from Sant'Angelo and up in the hills are neighbouring villages such as Serrara Fontana, which is a good base for walks in the hills and up Monte Epomeo.

The long bay extending eastwards from Sant'Angelo is one of the island's most popular beaches, and within a short distance is an area of hot springs, which can be reached on foot or by water taxi. 

 Sant'Angelo, Ischia

Various excursions are possible by boat and water taxi, and set prices are displayed by the little jetty alongside the isthmus.

As well as a few beach shops and boutiques, Sant'Angelo is also home to some pleasant bars and restaurants with staggeringly-panoramic terraces.

 Sant'Angelo, Ischia

Sant'Angelo is connected with the rest of the island by frequent buses, which depart from a lay-by up the road from the bay.

Villa Arbusto Museum

Villa Arbusto, co called by the location toponym since ‘600, is situated in a charming panoramic position on the hill square of S. Restituta, in front of the promontory of Monte Vico, the site of the acropolis Pithecusae, while just a short walk from the park, the VIII c. B.C. metallurgic quartier is set, loc. Mazzola. 

Villa Arbusto Museum

The manor farm of Arbusto was built in 1785 by Don Carlo Acquaviva, Duke of Atri of high birth, who built a country Casino, the actual villa with wide garden at the back, where a small building for guests was set with a chapel and a ‘stove’ for a therapeutical use thanks to the nearby fumaroles, a cistern and a pool which flews the fountain basin. 

Villa Arbusto Museum

The museum hosts archeological finds of rare beauty and importance the famous Nestor’s cup, for example.

Villa Arbusto Museum

Info

Address: Corso Angelo Rizzoli, 210

Municipality: Lacco Ameno - 80076

Tel: 081996103 – 0813330288

Fax: 0813330288

Opening hours: 9.00 – 13.00 / 16.00 – 20.00

Closed: on Mondays

Ticket: 5,00 € (Residents and students € 1,00, over 65 € 3,00)

email: pithecusae@libero.it

web: www.pithecusae.it

Bus lines: CD - CS - 1 - 2 (Bus stop San Lorenzo)

Services

In the centre

Parking

Panoramic

Public phone

Performances

Shuttle

Park

Guided tour

Services for disabled

Mediateca

Book shop

Library

Ischia Ponte

A short bus-ride from Ischia Porto lies Ischia Ponte, a charming seaside settlement dominated by the picturesque Castello Aragonese (Aragon Castle). For a combination of convenience and attractiveness, Ischia Ponte is one of the best places to see on the island.

Ischia Ponte

In the evening the narrow main street wandering down to the harbour fills up with the evening passeggiata, a relaxed and sociable affair which climaxes by the sea, where locals hail their friends, tourists eat at terrace tables, and small boats bob on the glassy black water amid the reflected lights of the illuminated castle.

Ischia Ponte

There is a good selection of clothes shops, and stores where you can pick up beach paraphernalia before setting off for the busy beaches stretching along the coast towards Ischia Porto. For eating, there is a fair selection of restaurants catering for a range of budgets and tastes. 

Ischia Ponte

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the ice-cream, pastry and frozen yoghurt shops, all of which are open until late.

Ischia Ponte

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

Not only in Ischia, la Chiesa del Soccorso is also a famous church in Italy

The Soccorso church in the town of Forio is the most famous church on the island of Ischia, or maybe all over Italy. In fact, many artists realised a lot of pictures or photos of this church and became famous. 

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

The church is used also for the design of an Italian stamp and lots of actors and models get married in this church. 

The location surrounded by the blue sea is of course beautiful, but the best charm of this famous church must be the mixture of architectural styles.

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

The white walls of the church are made of the beautiful and colorful baked tiles, Mallorca!

Soccorso church is located on the top of the cape surrounded by the sea on three sides. It was originaly an Augustinian Monastery, the chapel had been built around the year 1350, but on the October of the 1653 it was abolished by the bull of Pope Innocenzo X.

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

So the current structure was built in 1864, and now it's one of the most distinctive buildings in Ischia. The building were restored after the earthquake of 1883. All exterior walls are made by white stucco, and the stairs which reach up to the front facade are embellished with Majorca tiles of 1700s. The contrast between the white wall and colorful ceramic is very beautiful. Greco-Byzantine style, Moorish style and Mediterranean style are incorporated.

Inside is simple and pretty!

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

This church's interior is small but interesting with beautiful arches and vaulted ceilings. Along a few wooden chair, we can imagine that here is still used for the Mass. The statue of Christ on the Cross or of Saint Anthony of Padua are enshrined. It was an important church for immigrants and maritime people, and when the storm seemd to have been coming they came to pray in this church. If you look carefully the church, you will notice that the models of a sailing boat are located everywhere.

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

In the evening, let's go out at sunset bringing with a camera!

This Soccorso Church of Forio is considered as a symbol for this town's people, and many tourists visit it because of its beauty. Since the church is located at the western end of the island, at dusk, the white stucco of the building becomes gradually red by the sunset reflected on the ocean. It's breathtaking beautiful scene. Unfortunately we could not see because of our tight time schedule. Since one of the most attractive scenic points of Ischia, please forget your camera! While listening to the waves of the sea, just wait for the slow sunset.

Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso)

To go to the Soccorso Church, you get off the bus at the town of Forio. You know, also this town is quite large with fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops. You might also enjoy shopping on the way to explore the church. There are many restaurants and bars, of course, therefore you can relax well.

The Aragonese Castle

Aragonese Castle (Italian: Castello Aragonese) is a medieval castle in Ischia Ponte.

Ischia Island from the Aragonese Castle

Ischia Island from the Aragonese Castle

The castle stands on a volcanic rocky islet that connects to the larger island of Ischia by a causeway (Ponte Aragonese).

The Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle is the most impressive historical monument in Ischia, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC. At the same time, two towers were built to control enemy fleets' movements. The rock was then occupied by Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples).

The Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle

In 326 BC the fortress was captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. In 1441 Alfonso V of Aragon connected the rock to the island with a stone bridge instead of the prior wood bridge, and fortified the walls in order to defend the inhabitants against the raids of pirates.

The Aragonese Castle

Around 1700, about 2000 families lived on the islet, including a Poor Clares convent, an abbey of Basilian monks (of the Greek Orthodox Church), the bishop and the seminar, the prince with a military garrison. There were also thirteen churches. In 1809, the British troops laid siege to the island, under the French command, and shelled to destroy almost completely. In 1912, the Castle was sold to a private owner. Today the castle is the most visited monument of the island.

The Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle

Nowaday, the Aragonese Castle is accessed through a tunnel with large openings which let the light enter. Along the tunnel there is a small chapel consecrated to John Joseph of the Cross (San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce), the patron saint of the island.

The Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle

A more comfortable access is also possible with a modern lift. After arriving outside, it is possible to visit the Church of the Immacolata and the Cathedral of Assunta. The first was built in 1737 on the location of a smaller chapel dedicated to Saint Francis, and closed after the suppression of Convents in 1806 as well as the nunnery of the Clarisses.

The Aragonese Castle

From the Aragonese Castle you have many panoramic views to Ischia Island, to the closest islands; Vivara, Procida and Capri and also to Naples Bay.

We higly recommend you to visit it, it really worth it! You will spend a really pleasant and quiet moment. We were impressed by the beauty of the place and the surrounded views.

The Aragonese Castle of Ischia is open all year, seven days a week, from 09:00 am until sunset.

Adults // € 10,00

Groups (from 20 people) // € 9,00

Children aged 10-14 and companions of the disabled and blind // € 6,00

Children aged 0-9 and disabled people with proof of disability (over 51%) // Free

The Aragonese Castle of Ischia is located in the Municipality of Ischia (at Ischia Ponte).

You can reach us from Porto d'Ischia using bus route number 7.

The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half.

The tour path is accessible by elevator or by foot.

Pets are welcome.

Along the tour path you will find two cafes and a bookshop.

Contact

Telephone +39 081 992 834 / +39 081 991 959

info@castelloaragonese.it