The Aragonese Castle of Ischia stands on a volcanic rock island, connected to the rest of the island by a 220-meter-long bridge. The fortress is one of the maximum visited sites on the island and one of the maximum vibrant and energetic places, the site hosts a series of cultural activities, along with historic and cutting-edge artwork exhibitions. The Aragonese Castle is a historical shielding shape built atop a trachytic island to the east of Ischia.
A collection of church buildings, non-secular retreats, prisons, stunning gardens, and terraces will leave you breathless. This area, suspended among sky and sea, exudes a fairytale-like atmosphere that appears to transport vacationers into a parallel lifestyle. A visit to the Aragonese Castle promises many surprises and satisfactions as you discover this site, wealthy in stories to inform.
Map of Aragonese Castle
| Name | Aragonese Castle |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Naples |
| Coordinates | 40.7318°N 13.9647°E |
| Area | approximately 56,000 square meters (14 acres) |
| Time zone | UTC +1 |
| Population | uninhabited |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Aragonese Castle
The Castle was named Girone Castle after Hiero I of Syracuse, who was the first to decide on the site in the 5th century BC. However, some believe the name was derived from the partitions that surrounded the rocky island. During the Middle Ages, the island became referred to as "Insula Minor" (Little Island) to differentiate it from the larger Ischia Island, which saw a rapidly growing populace. It changed at some stage in this period when the Cathedral of the Assumption was constructed, its indoors adorned with super frescoes.
The fort was later renamed the Aragonese Castle while Alfonso I of Aragon set up his house there. This marked the start of a dynasty that gave the island its wonderful appearance, shaping it into the region we realize nowadays. In the 1400s, the Maschio Angevin was renovated, and lengthy walls were built across the island to guard in opposition to enemy assaults. Alfonso I of Aragon also ordered tunnels to be carved into the rock, growing pedestrian passages.
The citadel changed into the additional home to the poet Vittoria Colonna for thirty years. This noblewoman, the wife and later widow of Ferrante d'Avalos, resided inside the Aragonese Castle, in which she determined an idea for her poetry. She developed a deep Platonic friendship with Michelangelo Buonarroti, who described her as "a person, a lady, or extra accurately, a god."
What to See on the Aragonese Castle
A go-to to the Aragonese Castle isn't just an adventure through a museum packed with historical artefacts; it is an encounter with a residing structure that pulsates with energy, bridging the history of the past and destiny. The fortress hosts enormous classical and cutting-edge art exhibitions within its rooms, which are themselves genuine works of artwork. The shape and the whole thing related to it have long been subjects of look at for historians and are famous by the various site visitors who flock there every year. The works of art displayed in the fortress bring its ancient beauty to life.
If you go to Ischia, a near-up exploration of the Aragonese Castle and its environment, such as parts of the fortress and close by areas, is a ought to. Notable sights consist of the churches, which include the lovely Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Cathedral of the Assumption, which is also home to the noble crypts.
One of the most stunning panoramic perspectives may be visible from the terrace of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, offering a sweeping vista over the western side. From right here, you can appreciate the village of Ischia Ponte and Spiaggia dei Pescatori, with Mount Epomeo presenting an impressive backdrop.
Hikers will experience the paths main to the Aragonese Castle, along with the Path of the Sun, which is immersed in Mediterranean flora. This direction capabilities centuries-vintage olive bushes, bay laurels, carob bushes, figs, pomegranates, goji berries, and plenty of prickly pears, all contributing to the landscape’s splendour even as overlooking the ocean and the encompassing islands.
Another panoramic perspective may be located from the Olive Tree Terrace, positioned within the fortress gardens. From right here, you can soak up expansive perspectives that reach from the Lattari Mountains to the Gulf of Gaeta and the crystal-clear sea underneath. On the other facet, you can respect the Maschio and its Angevin Tower.
How to Reach the Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle is located inside the Ischia Ponte area and may be without difficulty reached from Ischia Porto. It takes approximately half-hour walking, 15 minutes by using bus, or 5-10 minutes via taxi.
Originally, the fortress should simplest be accessed by sea, requiring the usage of ladders, remnants of which can be still visible these days. Nowadays, you may input the citadel through a 400-meter-length tunnel. From the tunnel's front, a sequence of paths leads up to the very best point of the island. The complete path to the castle is about 2 kilometres, which may be finished walking or via taking an elevator, requiring around an hour and a half.
For folks who experience walking and are sporting suitable shoes, the citadel may be reached in an extraordinarily short time (approximately 30-35 mins) while taking in the stunning surroundings and soaking in the island's environment. To get to the citadel, you may take the course via the streets of Roma and Vittoria Colonna, which can be covered with shops and bars.
Aragonese Castle Opening Hours and Prices
The fortress is open every day of the 12 months, from 9:00 AM until sunset. Admission to the castle is paid: the personal price is €10, institution tickets for 20 or extra people are €9, and children aged 10 to 14 can get a reduced-price ticket for €6 (youngsters below 10 enter free of charge).
