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Starting from: 0 per person
1h
English, Espanol, Francais, Italiano
Unlimited
Village
Suitable for children
Suitable for couples
Pets allowed
Parking available
Barrier-free
Language supports
Free access
It is possible to book a tour guide service to explore the island by calling the movery helpline at 351.5585067
The tour guide service is available in several languages
There is paid parking in the port of Ischia Ponte.
The first inhabited village on the island of Ischia was Ischia Ponte, which already existed in the 13th century, also known as Village of Celsa for the fragrant mulberry plantation that decorated the ancient streets of the place.
The name itself recalls the connection of this hamlet via a masonry bridge with the Aragonese Castle, an immortal symbol of the island and a focal point of life and shelter for noble families until the 1700s.
A village with a farming and fishing tradition, throughout the 18th century Ischia Ponte was the richest and most prosperous town on the island, which was followed by a period of decline due to the abandonment of the Aragonese Castle.
The structure of the village, with narrow alleys, stately mansions alternating with characteristic low houses, has been preserved unchanged, as have the famous Via Roma and Corso Vittoria Colonna leading to the Mandra, the ancient fishing village.
The Ischia Ponte port of call remained a favorite of Ischitans for a long time even after the opening of the Bourbon Port in 1854, wanted by Ferdinand II of Bourbon. This predilection has helped nurture the life and keep the center's activities thriving.
This ancient village is rich in numerous church buildings such as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit, next to the small church that houses the Archconfraternity of Saint Mary of Constantinople. Not to be missed is the Clock Palace, imposing Baroque-style building home to the Sea Museum, which houses museum exhibits of Ischia's maritime history.
Initially the municipal headquarters, the Palace is now home to the current Sea Museum.
The evolution of the building begins in the 1700s. In these years the Decurions (present-day municipalities) had renovated the tower to create new spaces, such as the Council Chamber, offices, and even the prison on the ground floor; later the tower premises were used as classrooms for an elementary school until 1967. Characteristic of the tower is definitely the clock that gives it this name, first made of marble, then made more modern by replacing it with a luminous one.
The museum currently displays nautical charts, navigation and fishing tools, as well as other artifacts and objects that recall the origins of the village.
Originally dedicated to Santa Maria della Scala, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, is a monumental church built in honor of Father John, governor of Ischia and Procida. The work lasted about 300 years and today it is the cathedral of the diocese of Ischia, replacing the one previously bombed by the French and British inside the Aragonese Castle.
Built in 1301, remodeled in 1700 and bombed by the British in 1809, the Cathedral of the Assumption is enriched by some frescoes by Giotto, and inside are preserved the remains of some of the island's noble families.
Near the Cathedral we find a small house used as a chapel, formerly the home of Charles Anthony Calosirto, who later became St. John Joseph of the Cross, patron saint of the island. Miraculously cured of a disease, he is remembered today on two occasions, in March and September, with a procession by sea, a village festival and fireworks.
The ancient village hosts local clubs, stores, businesses and restaurants, where you can spend pleasant evenings enjoying good food.
For lovers of the sea, walking along Via del Seminario you can reach the Cartaromana beach, one of the best known in Ischia for its natural pools of thermal water very hot.
Every year on July 26, Ischia, between Cartaromana Bay and Ischia Ponte, celebrates the day of S. Anna. The tradition dates back to the last century, as for years pregnant women held a procession for their patroness and worshipped the effigy of the Mother of Our Lady, accompanied by a parade of fishermen's boats at sea, decorated with garlands of flowers.
Around the 1930s, a group of friends, with their own original ideas, created an occasion that has come down to the present day: the most beautiful boat was raffled off, and a craftsman transformed the gozzi into ornate rafts, which today have become true water floats.
The themes of the event have changed over the years, as from Neapolitan songs it was then decided to enhance popular island culture and relive the works of local writers, musicians, artists and scholars in an innovative and scenic form.
In the background, the Aragonese Castle mimics a fire illuminating the bay along with fireworks, with countless spectators, citizens and tourists alike, watching the marvelous night picture.
From Ischia Ponte, on August 26, a historical procession departs through the entire historic center of the island to celebrate S. Alexander. The parade ends at a small church set in the village of the same name.
Figurers, flag-wavers, period costumes, tricks and carriages will take you on a journey into the past, retracing the island's origins almost in real time, walking along with Greek and Roman characters, all the way to the Bourbon dynasty. It all ends with a mass, followed by festivities punctuated by music and typical flavors passed down from one generation to the next.
With Movery you always have a digital assistant at your side. Before booking we are at your disposal to clarify any doubts, after booking we will send you all the partner's information with which you can define the last little details. Don't worry until the experience is completed (and even during) our assistant will be there to resolve any unforeseen issues and clarify any doubts.
