Ischia, the municipality with most inhabitants (about 18.000 residents), is situated in the northeast of the island between the sea and the hills of the Montagnone. In every day’s life Ischia has assumed the role of the island’s capitol as most of the public administration offices are situated here, together with banks, insurance companies and exclusive shops. The port is the largest one in Italy used by small craft sailors, and it is the most important of the Ischitan ports. The municipality is divided into two centres: Porto (port) and Ponte (bridge). It covers an area of 8,05 square kilometres including the villages of Campagnano, San Michele and Sant’Antuono.

THE PLACE: The two centres, “modern” Porto (once known as Villa Bagni) and “antique” Ponte (once called Borgo di Celsa) are united; but have maintained their own atmosphere, their rhythm of life, their rapport with the sea and with tourism, and even their own style in architecture, creating an enchanting contrast.

SPECIAL BECAUSE….: This delightful municipality is the capitol of the island with streets full of chaotic, joyful life, but also charming historical borough, where fishermen work below the ancient Aragonese Castle. It is beaches and monuments, fast developing but aware of ancient traditions. In summer watch the huge ferries, hydrofoils and tiny fisher boats as they enter and move around the port – you cannot fail to appreciate the artistry of the local captains!

TOWER OF MICHELANGELO : Built at the end of the 15th century by the Dukes Guevara of Bovino this tower formed a defence system together with the Aragonese Castle. Legend tells that Michelangelo watched the admired Lady of the Castle, Vittoria Colonna, from its windows. Today art exhibitions and Gala evenings are held in the Tower during the summer.

WEAPON MUSEUM : In an old guard house of the Aragonese Castle a small collection of weapons and torture instruments from the 14th to the 19th century are on display.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GRACE : Better known as St. Peter’s this church with a central aisle, side chapels and a lovely churchyard strikes for the elegance of its architecture. Its dome is covered with gleaming enamelled tiles, while the building itself is decorated with stuccos of the 18th century. Inside 5 important canvases by Carlo Borelli Ponticelli.

AQUEDUCT: The impressing arches locally know as The Columns (i Pilastri) or as the Roman Aqueduct, were built in the 16th century by order of an Ischitan bishop. For the construction a special tax on flour was imposed on the population. Until the 1930’s the aqueduct transported water from the Buceto spring to the Castle and to Ischia Ponte.

ROYAL PALACE : Built by a prominent Ischitan in the 19th century and later used by the Bourbons as summer villa, the building later passed to the government and is today used as spa for military.

CHURCH OF PORTOSALVO : Following the transformation of a volcanic lake into today’s port King Federico II of Bourbon had this church “of the save port” built in 1854-1856.

WINE CELLAR - LIQUEUR DISTILLERY – PERFUME LABORATORY: In the side lanes of Corso V. Colonna and on the right bank of the port these small factories can be visited, where you can taste typical local products and purchase a nice souvenir.

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