Entrenched on top of a high rock, the towers of the Aragonese Castle stand on a small island a few meters from the larger island of Ischia, opposite the city of Naples, in Italy, now being a popular tourist center. On the island of Ischia, a 220-meter-long stone bridge connects to the 15th-century castle. The rock formation on which the Aragonese Castle sits today it was the result of volcanic activity centuries ago.
The highest point of the castle is situated at an altitude of 113 meters and the surface of the island in which it is located is approximately 56,000 square meters. To get to the castle, you can walk uphill through various paths on the island or use an elevator, which was installed in the late 1970s.
The castle citadel, which has been the site of various military events, especially at the beginning of the 19th century, was for a long time in a state of neglect. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did restoration work begin, which continues today to “bring back” the architectural delicacies of this magnificent monumental complex.
History of the Aragonese Castle
The first fortress was built as early as 474 BC during the war against Tirrenia along with other military installations to observe the movement of enemy warships. After the war the island went through a period of alternate ownership. It began being conquered by Parthenopaeus so that, later, in the year 326 before Christ, the romans got hold of it. Years later it returned to the hands of the Neapolitans and thus, Numerous peoples and cultures were the ones who settled on this rocky promontory, among which the Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Arabs and Normans stood out. For several generations the old fortress was expanded and reinforced.
When in the year 1301 the last eruption of the Epomeo volcano took place and destroyed the city of Ischia, the population found its refuge on the small island of the castle.
In the first years of the fifteenth century and until 1892, there were 13 churches and 7 parishes that were raised on the island.
In 1441 King Alfonso of Aragon restored the castle and connected the promontory to the island of Ischia by means of a bridge, as well as erect huge walls and fortifications that allowed the population of Ischia to find shelter and protection from pirate attacks. The name of the “Aragonese Castle” is due to the work that King Alfonso of Aragon did on it.
Around 1750, when the pirate attacks ceased, the population moved to more convenient locations on the island of Ischia. in 1809 the british attacked the citadelwhich was at that time in the hands of the French, and they bombed it, leading to its almost total destruction.
In 1823, the King of Naples turned the castle into a prison in which he imprisoned 30 people.. In 1851, the prison received different political prisoners, and later the island became a place of exile.
Highlights on the island of the Aragonese Castle
Mentioned below some of the highlights of the island.
St. Peter’s Church
The Saint Peter Pantaniello Church (Chiesa di S.Pietro a Pantaniello) is so named due to the image of the saint, the first in the old and small castle church. The church has a hexagonal shape and was opened for worship in 1564. The architectural design is attributed to the architect Jacopo Barozzi, nicknamed Vignola.
House of the Sun
View of Santa María de las Gracias from the Casa del Sol
The House of the Sun (House of the Sun) it is one of the oldest houses on the island. From its terrace you can have impressive views of the Santa María de las Gracias church and the island of Ischia with its many pleasure boats.
olive tree terrace
The terrace of the olive trees (Terrazo degli Ulivi) it was the site of the gardens of the Aragonese Castle, overlooking the bay and its clear waters, with 300 degree views. behind the terrace is the main tower of the castlealthough it is not open to the public.
path of the sun
The Path of the Sun (Sentiero del Sole) it is one of the most beautiful trails on the island that runs between rich Mediterranean vegetation with olive trees, laurels, carob trees, fig trees, medlar trees, pomegranate trees and prickly pears, among others, all before wonderful view of the sea and the nearby islands.
Holy Mary of Graces
The Church of Santa Maria de las Gracias was built on the structures of the ancient gardens and enlarged by Donna Costanza Carretta at the beginning of the 16th century. It is located at the foot of a cliff several meters above sea level.
Church “Madonna Della Libera”
The “Madonna Della Libera” Church was built in the 12th century. In 1301, the population of Ischia, during the last eruption of the Epomeo volcano, flocked to the castle island and made a vow to the Virgin Mary asking for salvation. It seems that the flame took effect and the Mother of God saved the island and the population from the catastrophe. In fact, the virgin is represented in the church with her hands outstretched with the intention of stopping the flow of lava.
