What to see on foot in Ischia Ponte: the Aragonese Castle

Ischia Ponte, together with Forio and Sant’Angelo, is the heart of the island.

In this village there are colorful fishermen’s houses, but also baroque palaces and once noble residences, as well as the well-known Aragonese Castle.

Walking through the narrow streets of the village of Ischia Ponte, you will come across the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta whose interiors are in remodeled medieval marble, and where the islanders turn to their patron saints.

A little further on is the Piazzale Aragonese from which a small historic pier starts, the docking place of the first ships from Ischia.

Walking south, ahead of the Church of Sant’Anna, we find the Tower of Michelangelo or Sant’Anna called Guevara, a turreted house in the Cartaromana Bay, from whose terrace you can enjoy the view of the Aragonese Castle.

Crossing the Aragonese bridge in Ischia Ponte, through a tunnel dug into the rock you arrive at the islet where the Aragonese Castle stands, whose current image is due to Alfonso V of Aragon who in 1441 built this splendid castle in the wake of the Maschio Angioino Neapolitan.

The itinerary through the rooms of the Aragonese Castle is as follows: Terrace and church of the Immaculate Conception, Convent of Santa Maria della Consolazione, Cemetery of the Nuns, Belvedere of the Convent, Cafeteria of the Monastery, House of the Sun, Church of San Pietro and Pantaniello, Palmenti for winemaking and cellar, Viale dei Palmenti, Bourbon prison, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, watchtower and defense, Sentiero del Sole, Steps of San Cristofaro, Church of the Madonna della Libera, Viale dell’Ailantus, Remains of the times of sun and terrace, Cathedral of the Assumption and crypt, panoramic view.

At the entrance you can decide whether or not to be followed by a guide, our advice is to have the guide accompany you to see the castle as it is so rich in history.

The Ischia film festival is held on the Terrace of the Olive Trees of the Castle in summer, an international film festival dedicated to cinema locations.