Castello Aragonese at the Volcanic Island of Ischia, Italy

Ischia is the island of restoration, of vigour, of history and splendor. This treasure chest island of delights however has been desecrated and subject to innumerable violence over the years. This history of abuse continues in the present, as the lure of the quick buck continues to play its role in unlawful building projects, damaging the land and the environment.

14C Temperature in Ischia

Castle Hopping in Italy

Our view of the Castle from the Yacht

Despite the damage strewn across its past, Ischia has an enduring beauty and attraction, due to its riches in natural resources. The island has a unique supply of hot springs, spas, volcanic mud and valuable minerals -- thus healing and renewal have become a resource by which the Island has improved  its economy and found its zenith as a hub of well being for countless visitors. 

Magnificent Panoramic View on top of the Castle

Long Walk Inside

It is the largest of the three islands off the coast of Naples with its exquisiteness rising from the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Inside the prominent Castello Aragonese:

The Aragonese Castle which was built on a rock near the island in 474 BC, by Hiero I of Syracuse. At that time, Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples) occupied the island, captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. Today the castle is the most visited testimonial of the island. 

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

The Gardens of La Mortella, situated in Forio-San Francesco, belong originally to English composer William Walton. Walton resided in the villa next to the gardens with his Argentinian wife Susana. When the composer arrived on the island in 1946, he immediately called Russell Page from England to lay out the garden where magnificent tropical and Mediterranean plants were planted. A museum dedicated to the life and work of William Walton now comprises part of the garden complex. There's also a recital room where renowned musical artists perform on a regular schedule.

Giardini Ravino is a botanical garden with one of the richest collection of cacti and succulents cultivated outdoors in Europe. Giardini Ravino has been honoured as the most ecofriendly property in South Italy by the OPE (European Parliamentary Observatory. This botanical garden is owned by Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra as a result of his 50 years of great zeal and loving work.

Surrounded by a park, the Villa La Colombaia (called "The Dovecote") was made by Luigi Patalano, a prominent local communist and journalist. It is now the seat of a cultural institution and museum dedicated to Luchino Visconti – institution that promotes cultural activities such as music, cinema, theatre, art exhibitions, work-shops, and cinema reviews. 

Without a doubt, Castello Argonesse prominence on the Ischia skyline makes it hard to avoid and who would want to? There is also cafe and a hotel at the top that visitors must try...... and don't forget your camera as panoramic views that you will never forget awaits you!