Visit Ischia
Ischia is an attractive and popular island situated off the western coast of Italy in the Bay of Naples.
A visit to Ischia starts from the side of the port, where your boat crossing from mainland Italy arrives. After enjoying the port, continue along the Via Roma to reach the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie - the church, built in the late 18th century by Giuseppe Astarita, has an elliptical plan and a dome covered in multi-coloured majolica. Nearby the Church of Saint Antonio has an interesting picture from the 17th century Neapolitan school.
Ischia buildings, churches and monuments
Continuing on there are various buildings of value. As well as the Bishop's Palace with its paleo-Christian sarcophagus of the 4th century (there are only 10 of these to be found in the world), you find Ischia Cathedral, rebuilt in 1613 and further enlarged in the 18th century, which has three beautiful paintings inside by Giacinto Diano (1731-1804), depicting 'St. Augustine, Who Defeated Heresy with the Help of Faith', 'St. Nicholas from Tolentino Interceding for Souls in Purgatory', and the 'Assumption of the Virgin'. Next to the cathedral, there is the Convent of the Augustinian monks which, between the 16th and 18th century possessed almost all the mills, vineyards and woods of the island.
Across the street, the Church of the Holy Spirit stands out for being rich in works of art of great importance, among them the 'Madonna delle Grazie' by Paolo de Matteis, a wooden crucifix and a painting by Giuseppe Bonito ('The Virgin, Mary Magdalene and St. John at the foot of the cross'). After the 15th century Ponte Aragonese (Aragon Bridge) proceed uphill to the ruins of the ancient castle, of which faint traces can still be seen along with fragments of the old cathedral (eg some decorations and a 16th century floor). All administrative and religious functions, once present in the top of the castle, have moved to Ischia Porto and Forio, a centre of considerable interest for its fortifications.
In the early 18th century twenty fortifications were established in Forio and are still in excellent condition. Also at Forio is the beautiful 14th century Church of Santa Maria di Loreto with several paintings (eg 'History of the Virgin' by Alfonso Spigno, 'St. Nicola Tolentino' by Cesare Calise). Other important religious buildings in Forio, worth a visit for its artistic treasures, are the Church of St. Francis (XVII Century with a painting by Andrea Malinconico, the Church of Santa Maria Visitapoveri (XVIII Century, with a majolica floor), the Church of Soccorso and San Vito, a very ancient church, which seems to date back to 1000 AD and has several 18th century. Also worth a visit is the Archaeological Museum, which features a large number of Roman artefacts from prehistory, potteries, vases, statues and busts.
Ischia beaches and outdoors
Besides the cultural aspects Ischia offers many attractions to tourists. In summer, visit the beautiful beach of Citara. Located in the town of Forio d'Ischia below the Punta Emperor it is famous not only for its crystal clear waters but also its position and sunny aspect also with car parks, bathing establishments, equipment for water sports , bars and restaurants. In the bay is the famous Poseidon Gardens Thermal Park.
There are numerous beaches in Ischia eg the Barano beach (the biggest beach of the island, consisting of a long strip of sand surrounded by Capo Grosso and the village of Saint Angelo), and Saint Montano Bay (located in the town of Lacco Ameno). Enjoy also the Chiaia beach, the Lido of Ischia, the Carta Romana, St. Angelo beach and many others.
In addition, lovely excursions can be made to the Bosco della Maddalena located near the town of Casamicciola Terme. Another relaxing trip is to follow the roads of the island with its many paths and channels carved by water, that lead to the summit of Ischia. At the top you can visit the church and the hermitage of S. Nicola.
Ischia restaurants and cuisine
Be sure to visit some of the restaurants on schia to try the typical dishes of this region, based on tomatoes, basil, mint and chillies. Among the most well known of these traditional dishes is the 'rabbit from Ischia'. Since from ancient times Ischia has been famous for its wines you may want to taste the local wines- both white and red ischia wines are available.