Aragonese Castle - Ischia Island, Gulf of Naples, Italy

Aragonese Castle - Ischia Island, Naples, Italy

Aragonese Castle (Italian: Castello Aragonese) is a medieval castle located in Ischia, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, Italy.


Travel Italy - Visiting Aragonese Castle in Ischia


The castle which stands on a volcanic rock, is the most impressive historical monument in Ischia, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC. At the same time, two towers were built to control enemy fleets' movements. The rock was then occupied by Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples). In 326 BC the fortress was captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. In 1441 Alfonso V of Aragon connected the rock to the island with a stone bridge instead of the prior wood bridge, and fortified the walls in order to defend the inhabitants against the raids of pirates. Around 1700, about 2000 families lived on the islet, including a Clarisses Convent, the Abbey of Basilians from Greece, the Bishop and the Seminar, the Prince with a military garrison. There were also thirteen churches. In 1912, the Castle was sold to a private owner. Today the castle is the most visited monument of the island.

Aragonese Castle - Albergo Monastero


Featured hotels near Aragonese Castle

View Castle on Google Maps

It is accessed 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. A more comfortable access is also possible with a modern lift. After arriving outside, it is possible to visit the Church of the Immacolata and the Cathedral of Assunta. The first was built in 1737 on the location of a smaller chapel dedicated to Saint Francis, and closed after the suppression of Convents in 1806 as well as the Nunnery of Clarisses.

Ischia Island - Aragonese Castle


Hotels recommended in Ischia

Ischia Island on Google Maps: - Link 1 - Link 2 - Link 3

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city of Naples. It is the largest of the Phlegrean Islands.

Ischia is the name of the main comune of the island. The other comuni of the island are Barano d'Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana. Wikipedia

Italy 2012 - Ischia view from castle


Islands of Naples Ischia


Link photo: Regina Isabella