Geografic position
The island of Ischia is the largest in the group of islands of the gulf of Naples, and represents an outstanding and famous thermal and tourism center. Its surface is 46 square km and its coasts extend to a circumferance of 34km. It is situated at a distance of 17,5 nautical miles from Naples and has a daily connection by ship to the capital of Campania. The island of Ischia is also know for its soil fertility,due to its volcanic origins. There is cultivation of vineyards that produce a superior wine quality, the DOC wine, and also cultivations of vegetables, citrus fruits, cereals and any type of fruit trees. The area in the hills is covered with chestnut trees, whereas the plain and costal areas are scattered with pine trees. The island is a priviledged location for the geobotanic studies. In fact, the mediterranean vegetation contains species that are rare, or in danger of extinction and typical for the tropical areas.
History of the island of Ischia
The island of Ischia is an area continuously modified due to the volcanic activity. According to Greek mythological stories, Jupiter, as a punishment, had imprisioned the monster Tifeo under mount Epomeo, which is the highest point on the island. The monster's vain attempts to free himself and all his contortions are said to have given these areas their tortuous nature, and to have originated the geothermical and volcanic characteristics. In fact, according to the myth, the thermal water in the springs, which are a distinctive element of the island, was originated and is continuously supplied by Tifeo's tears. After abbandoning the traditional activities (commerce in agriculture, pottery, wine and fishing), the island became a location of activities connected to balneological tourism, recreation and thermal water since middle 20th century. Namely, the numerous thermal springs have been known and benefited from since the ancient times, awarding the island of Ischia with names like " island of eternal youth" or " island of health". Loved by poets, artists and scholars, the island has been celebrated in numerous representations and artworks.
Structure of the island, names and number of the municipalities
Despite problems with building development and an undiscriminating use of natural recources, the island of Ischia has an environment of great interest and unusual beauty, due to its volcanic origin. The plains and terraces are interrupted by cliffs, lava hills and craters that are partly sunken, whereas the coasts are intercut by sandy bays and rocky peaks. Even if the island of Ischia belongs to the metropolitan city of Naples, it is divided into several administrative units. The six municipalities of the island are the following:
Ischia. It is formed by the historic center Ischia Ponte, which is dominated by a castle built in 1438 by Alfonso d'Aragona, and the more recently inhabitated Ischia Porto;
Forio. It is situated on the western side of the island, protected by the slopes of Mount Epomeo and enclosed by the promontories Punta Caruso and Punta Imperatore. In the past it has been the agricultural center and it is the last to have opened to tourism. It is characterized by the towers erected in 1500 as a protection from pirate invasions. It does not have such a relevant thermal tradition like the other towns. In the 50's, Forio was an adopted homeland for many writers and artists, for example the musician William Turner Walton and the poet Wystan Hugh Auden;
Casamicciola. It was one of the first settlements during the Greek colonization. Often attacked by pirates, it is known for the Grotta del Turco, a cave to where the inhabitants fled to hide from the raids. Since 1600, the history of this locality intertwines with thermal water bathing. Pio Monte della Misericordia di Napoli spread this practice, and had a thermal facility built for the poor, in the area of the spring Gurgitiello. By 1800 the thermal baths of Casamicciola were the most famous and appreciated in Europe, however, due to an earthquake in 1883 that destroyed the settlement, this position was lost to favor the city of Ischia. During the reconstruction, the original aspect of the center was modified to make way to various quarters and shack-like building technologies;
Serrara Fontana. Different from the other towns of the island, it has kept its agricultural character, thanks to the conformation of the area. An exception is Sant'Angelo, where tourism is very present. Serrara Fontana is a reminder of how the Island of Ischia was in past times, with its enchanting surroundings and rural charm;
Barano. Characterized by the outlet to the sea in the Marina di Miramonti, and its enchanting Maronti beach, it is situated in one of the most beautiful and suggestive areas of the island;
Lacco Ameno d'Ischia. It is the smallest town on the island, and is famous for its healing thermal water. It has transformed from being a small fishing village, into a renowned and international tourist thermal center, mostly thanks to the plans of Angelo Rizzoli in the 50's. Furthermore, Lacco Ameno is famous for its archeological evidence of the Etruscan and Greek settlements in the 8th century B.C. as well as the christian catacombs and cemetaries. Enclosed by the rocky ridges of the near Monte Vico, the beach of San Montano opens out, one of the most beautiful bays of the island.
The population is spread everywhere, however the density is less in the hilly and mountainous areas than in the central area and in the uneven and rocky areas of the southern side.
Tourism and thermal aspects
The tourism on the island of Ischia is based on three principal elements: the beaches, excursions (both by land and sea) and the natural thermal springs.To visit the island, you can take the characteristic, small motorvans or the bus, which depart from Ischia Porto. Alternatively, you can take the car and follow the main route 270. It's a panoramic route on the southern side, that adapts to the conformation of the area, which has sections of steep and rugged cliffs that face the valleys towards the sea. On the other hand, to learn more about the coast, it's best to do it by a special type of boats, available every day, except during the winter season. Another attraction of the island of Ischia is represented by the thermal resorts, where it is possible to get treatments based on sulfuric thermal waters and mud packs. Among the most important structures to be mentioned, are the ones situated in the town of Ischia, particularly the one you can find at the 18th century Borbonic royal Casina. Readapted in 1876, it was built to utilize the healing properties of the thermal waters of Villa de' Bagni, keeping the fascinating aspect of the location unaltered. It has been a thermal resort for artists, nobility and high ranking personas from all over Europe, traveling firstly in the Kingdom of the two Sicilies and then in the Kingdom of Italy.The painter Phillip Hackert, author of famous illustrations of the island, was also among these guests.