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| ISLE OF ISCHIA: THINGS TO SEE |
CHURCHES
Church of Soccorso
A mall white-washed church sits in the square on the Punta
del Soccorso in Forio looking out onto the sea.
Sanctuary of Santa Restituita
The original structure dates back to the Paleo-Christian era
(4-5th century A.D.). But the current basilica was built on
top of the first building about AD 1000. Things to note include
the wooden statues of Santa Restituita (AD 1500) and the saint's
remains.
MUSEUMS
The Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae
Housed in the Villa Arbusto in Lacco Ameno. It houses archeological
findings that show the island’s history from prehistoric
times to the Roman era. The famous Coppa di Nestore (Nestore’s
Cup) is mentioned in some verses of Homer’s Iliad.
The Sea Museum (Museo del Mare)
This museum in Ischia Ponte is housed in Palazzo dell’Orologio.
It includes an important collection of old nautical instruments
and fishing equipment; and models of fishing boats and sailing
ships.
The Farmer’s Museum (Museo del Contadino)
This museum is located in Panza, outside Forio in the D’Ambra
wines factory. Objects in the museum detail the farmer's life
- original equipment used on the land and wine amphoras.
CASTLES
Castello Aragonese
A striking monument on a small island near Ishcia Ponte reached
by a stone bridge. It was built in 1441 by Alfonso D’Aragona
on the ruins of an old fort that dated back to 474 B.C. It
was originally used to protect Ischia from pirate attacks.
In the 16th century almost 1900 families lived in the castle.
There were once 13 churches inside.
BEACHES
Lido di Ischia
A short walk from the center with several sandy beaches divided
by rocks and pine forests. The most famous beach is the “Spiaggia
dei Pescatori” that stretches from Ischia Porto to Ischia
Ponte.
Cartaromana beach - Ischia
A beautiful beach with great views of the island and located
between the Castello Aragonese and the Sant’Anna cliffs.
Cartaromana is known for its natural hot thermal water springs.
You can swim here in winter too.
Marina dei Maronti - Barano
A 3km long beach starting in Barano. Get here from water taxi
from Sant'Angelo or drive the panoramic strip by car. The
beach also has thermal springs and natural spas.
Citara beach - Forio
Thermal water and a beach front.
Baia di San Montano – Lacco Ameno
This beach is closed between Mount Vico and Mount Zaro. The
sea water is very hot and the water is extremely shallow.
THERMAL SPAS
Hot Spring Parks were opened in recent years with pools at
varying temperatures, waterslides, fountains and gardens to
make use of the islands thermal activity. They include Castiglioni
in Casamicciola, Negombo in Lacco Ameno, Giardini Poseidon
in Forio and the Tropical in Sant'Angelo.
PARKS AND GARDENS
The Botanical Park in the Mortella Gardens
This park in Forio was originally the property of the English
composer William Walton, who lived next door in the villa.
When he arrived in 1946 he immediately had a botanical expert
from England plan the garden with tropical and Mediterranean
plants.
Faiano Pine Forest, Barano
This is the largest pine forest on the island and a great
spot for a quiet walk or picnic.
Mount Epomeo
This mountain was an active volcano but it's is now quiet
and a great spot for views of the islands and walking. You
can drive up on the asphalt road and walk the remaining 3km.
There is also a church (San Nicola) built in the mountain's
rock.
SHOPPING
Porto is generally considered the best shopping area. Local
products include lemons, oregano, capers, Mennella ceramics
and wines.
AROUND ISCHIA
There are island tours and trips to nearby Procida, a small
island that is picturesque and famous for its lemons!
Book
your hostel in Ischia
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