in the isle of
ISCHIA

Ischia is the largest of Phlegrean Islands in the Gulf of Naples and has a privileged geographical position. The beautiful landscapes and beaches, the luxuriant pine woods, vineyards, chestnut and citrus "green island".
The island has 44,000 inhabitants and is divided into six communities: Barano d'lschia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana, all well-known holiday resort which not only offer sea-bathing, thermal cures and pleasant walks up to the peak of Monte Epomeo (790 m.), but also the most comfortable hotel accommodation and modern sport facilities.
Founded by colonists from Eubea with the name of Pithecusa, Ischia has been the oldest Greek colony in the Western Mediterranean (8th century BC) as proved by the archaelogical finds in the necropolis in Lacco Ameno. Ancient rockdwellings, millstones and caves are the remains of a rural architecture, which testify to a very old rustic culture, now in extinction. The island has kept original folk dance is the "N' drezzata of Buonopane" which has been handed down from father to son for centuries.
The thermal cures are recommended for chronic rheumatic diseases, metabolic disorders and beauty treatments. There are approximate 70 SPA-establishments, most of which are in hotels themselves and all have medical assistance. Duration of a cure is 12 to 15 days which may also be taken in the famous "Hot Springs-Parks", unique in the world.
There are many restaurants, nightclubs and taverns available to the tourist who may also attend to performances of classical music, theater, ballet and folklore entertainment. Worth while a visit are the Aragon Castle, the Museum of Lacco Ameno, and Geophysical Observatory at Casamicciola, the Maltese Museum at Forio, the towers of Campagnano and the hermitage on the Mount Epomeo. THINGS TO DO AND SEEThe ruins of the Castello d'lschia, an Aragonese castle complex on a small islet that includes a 14 century cathedral and several smaller churches, make for an interesting visit while you are in Ischia Ponte (Lit. 6,000 plus Lit 1,500 for the lift).
Monte Epomeo (788 m) is the island's highest mountain and can be reached on foot from Panza and Serrara Fontana (about 1 1/2 hours ). It offers superb views of the Golfo di Napoli.
Among the better beaches is the Lido dei Maronti, south of Barano. If you're interested in diving, Dimensione Blu( phone 081-995608), via lasolina 106, in Ischia Porto, hires out equipment and runs courses.SPASGiardini POSEIDON-Resort, located in Forio D'Ischia,Citara Phone 081-907122 Cost Lit 50,000, NEGOMBO PARK- Resort, located in Lacco Ameno Phone 081-986295 Cost Lit 45,000.BEACHESRocks dominate this island's shoreline but they have also helped create many beaches: ISCHIA PORT,English beach-sand and rock;
CASAMICCIOLA: Bagnitielli-sand, Marina-sand;
LACCO AMENO: between Casamicciola and the Mushroom Rock-sand, Bay of San Montana- sand;
FORIO: San Francesco and Chiaia-white sand, Cava dell'isola and Citara-sand;
SERRARA FONTANA: Cava Grado-small sandy inlet with thermal seawater, Sant'Angelo-sand;
BARANO: Maronti-shingle on the shoreline, sandy island. It is the largest beach on the island almost 2 kilometers long with pumice stone cliffs. From this point the coastline to Ischia Ponte is rocky.
ISCHlA PONTE: Caratoromana -sand, Pescatori-sand.MOPED RENTALThere are a few moped rental shops around the island. One that is located near the port is F.lli Del Franco- via Alfredo De Luca 121, Ischia Porto phone 081-991334 Cost is approx. Lit 35,000 for 24 hours.ORIENTATION & INFORMATIONThe tourist office (phone 081-991146), via lasolino (Banchina Porto Salvo) at the main port, is open Monday to Saturday from 08,30 to 21,00 and until 13,00 on Sunday in summer. The times are flexible and in winter they tend to open in the mornings only. Expect to find it closed from 13,30 to about 15,30 for the lunch break. There are several banks and exchange booths around the island.The Castle of IschiaIn 474 b. Chr. the Greek of Syrakus Gerone 1st, who came to the aid of the people of Cumae in their war against the Tyrrhenians, had the first fortress constructed. High towers where erected to watch the movements of the enemy's ships.
After the war Gerone kept the lsland as compensation for the assistance rendered. The Parthenopeians are taking possession of the island in the year 326 b. Chr. The Romans then again the Parthenopeians.
Pillaging and the long domination of the Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths Arabians, Normans, Swabians and Anjous transform Gerone's fortress completely.
In 1301 the last eruption of the Monte Epomeo destroys the city of Geronda - situated where the pinewood now grows and the population fled to the little island.
In 1440 The king of Spain, Alfonso d'Aragona reconstructs the old Anjou castle, join the little isle with the main island by means of an artificial bridge; huge lortifications are built, where nearly the whole population of Ischia finds protection and shelter against the aggressions of the pirates.
At the Beginning of the 18th century the citadel lodged 1892 families, besides the monastery of the Poor Clares, the Abbey of the Basilians of Greece, the 'bishop with prebendary and the seminary, as well as tht Prince with the garrison. There were 7 parishes with 13 churches.
Towards 1750, after the danger of the pirates is over, the population begins to return to the main island.
In 1809 the citadel held by the French is besieged by the British and almost completely destroyed.
In 1823 the-King of Naples send the last 30 inhabitants away and turns the castle into a prison. In 1851 he uses it for political prisoners. Later it becomes a place of exile.