With an area of 11,07 square kilometres the municipality in the southeast of Ischia is the second largest. Reaching an altitude of about 300 metres it has a population of 7,000 residents. The hilly area is similar to Serrara-Fontana, being used as farmland and divided into many small villages: Piedimonte, Fiaiano, Molara, Schiappone, Vatoliere, Testaccio and Buonopane.

THE PLACE
The hilly area offers cool sea breezes and lovely walks through nature, vineyards and orchards. The attentive observer will see old volcanic craters hidden under vegetation, like the crater of Vatoliere. In 1301 the last volcanic eruption took place here, in Fiaiano, destroying the medieval city of Geronda with a lava flow that reached the sea in present day’s Ischia Ponte. But Barano also has the longest beach of island, the Maronti beach, and the spring of Nitrodi, discovered by the Romans.

SPECIAL BECAUSE….
Green hills that show the traces of volcanism and viniculture, but also deep canyons. The long hot beach of Maronti and a “miraculous” spring that has been used ever since the ancient Romans. An atmosphere of stillness in a landscape where almost every path is worth being discovered, although there are hardly any maps or street signs available.
But Barano should be seen also from the sea. Steep rocks falling into the sea and small pirates coves create the impression of an uninhabited island…

PLACES TO VISIT

CHIESA DI S. SEBASTIANO MARTIRE
La chiesa presenta tre navate, con una bella decorazione a stucco di gusto neoclassico. Vi sono alcune tele di alfonso Di

CHURCH OF ST. SEBASTIANO MARTYR – Village square of Barano
This church from the 16th century formed by 3 naves is dedicated to one of the patron saints of Barano. In the 17th century it was used as a monastery. The steeple was added in 1704. Inside one can see fine plasterwork, canvases by Alfonso di Spigna and a statue of San Sebastian from the 18th century.

CHURCH OF ST. ROCCO – Village square of Barano
San Rocco is the second patron saint of the municipality. The church was built in the 18th century. Inside a canvas shows Our Lady of the Rosary.

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST – village of Buonopane
Dating from 1537 this church is probably the oldest parish church of Barano. It was built on the site of an old chapel. Inside one can admire a lovely painting of St. John in the style of Caravaggio.

SPRING AND SPA OF NITRODI – Buonopane
The Romans discovered the healing effects of this spring and it has been used ever since. Tourists and locals take showers and fill bottles with the healing water, which is indicated especially for skin problems.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GRACES – village of Testaccio
Built in 1748, a modern facade was added in the 20th century. Interesting canvases can be seen over the altar and under the ceiling, but there are also wooden statues.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH – village of Fiaiano
The church, better known as St. Anna’s, is the mother church of the parish. Built in the 19th century, there is a beautiful painting of St. Joseph by De Simone from the 18th century.

LA ‘NDREZZATA – A LOCAL TRADITION
A complicate and rhythmical dance of ancient origins. The ‘Ndrezzata is danced by 16 to 18 men in traditional costumes using sticks under the command of a “Corporal” who chants and keeps rhythm. It is performed on the 24th of June (festival of the Patron Saint) and on Easter Monday in the Village Square of Buonopane.