Liz and Frank: Interesting Ischia

We left early for Sorrento Port to catch a Hydrofoil to Isola Ischia, the largest of the 3 islands in the Bay of Naples and Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for its mineral springs, of volcanic origin. The rumour is, that the giant Typhoeus, struck by Zeus' thunderbolt, was buried under Ischia, the cause of the occasional groanings and shakings that have marked Ischia's long history. Compared with its neighbour island, Capri, Ischia is larger, wilder and considerably less manicured than its chic but more touristy neighbour. Ischia Porte is such a pretty harbour to cruise into.

Colourful buildings backdropped by some wild hills

And on looking back to the beginning of this harbour, we saw a rather large cruise ship moving across this entry.

Our game plan for the day, was to have a good look around Ischia Port, and then make our way over to Ischia Ponte to check out Castello Aragonase, followed by finding a Trattoria to taste some good local seafood, before catching the hydrofoil back to Sorrento.

We decided to wander around their beaches - Ischia prides itself on these.

Colourful little numbers, with a volcanic grey sand

Kids playing soccer

Little boats everywhere

And the sun lounges waiting for some early season occupants

Just alive with colour, and getting ready for the start of their summer season

We then wandered along the main street

The buildings are so bright

and some blossoms were in bloom.

Managed to get a couple of shots of their doors

The Fish Shop

One of the church's doors

Love the position of their washing lines - they never seem to lose anything onto the ground.

Frank couldn't get over the size of some of their vehicles

Delivery trucks as well

Why was this taken - same coffee we use!!!

Along the way we checked out menus in some of the cafes

Loved this Pizzeria, the tables were surrounded by orange trees, all in full fruit.

Stopped for a gelati at Bar Diana, served by its colourful waiter (in the blue)

Nearly 2 hours had passed

we could see the Castello Aragonase now - nearly there

When we arrived at the Pier near the Castello, we looked back at Ischia Porte Peninsular

and realised how far we had walked.

This is the Castello's story as we were told!. The Castle was built as a fort in 474 BC by Greek Syracuse Hiero 1, to come to the aid of Cumani in the war against Tirreni. In 315 BC the Romans founded the city of Ischia and most likely used the castle as a defensive fort and built some houses.

Many more wars, looters and pirates, then in 1441 Alfonso of Aragon rebuilt part of the castle and joined the island it sat on to the main island by an artifical bridge, with strong walls and fortification, in which all the people of Ischia found refuge and protection against the Pirates. (a little more on this Castello and her related story at the end)

It was time to do our "late lunch", but not by another 2 hour trek, we took one of their "minute/tiny" taxis back to the Ischia Porte.

Found a great little Trattoria right on the harbour front, in the sun, and enjoyed a really tasty seafood lunch, both the waiters were a couple of characters.

Our communication by hand signals must've been okay, as the Head Waiter insisted on shouting us a Limoncello (one little sip was ample, thank you).

Unfortunately, it was time to leave, only one Hydrofoil in early morning, and one out late afternoon.

*****

On sailing out we could see Castello Aragonese again. More of this story. The heyday for this Castle occurred in the late sixteenth century when the fortress housed 1892 people, as well as the Convent of the Poor Clares, and there were 13 churches there!

Around 1750 when the danger of pirates was less, people moved back into various towns on the main Island, but in 1809 the English besieged the Castle, held by the French and shelled to destroy it almost completely. It was used as a Prison after that, and in 1851, Ferdinand 1, King of Naples sent away the last 30 inhabitants. In 1860, with the arrival of Garibaldi in Naples, this was closed and joined to the Kingdom of Italy. In 1912 it was auctioned and is in the hands of individuals who look after the restoration and management. (Just amazing what and where they could build 2,500 years ago).