CIGLIO
Latest update: 4 May 2022
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Ciglio is a tiny hamlet within the comune (similar to a borough) of Serrara Fontana in the south-western part of Ischia. It takes its name from the Italian word for eye-brow in reference to the giant "Tifeo" (Typhon, Typhus).
There are several villages in Ischia named after body-parts of Tifeo such as Panza (stomach) in Forio and Testaccio (head) in Barano. It was said that naming the villages after Tifeo was a mark of respect in the hope that the imprisoned giant wouldn't unleash his rage to cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions! |
However, the hamlet is as far removed from any kind of violence, natural or otherwise that you could imagine. It occupies a stretch of road known as Via Ciglio between the villages of Serrara to the east and Panza to the west. There is very little to see in terms of a village centre or shops but considering its size there are a good number of restaurants such as Al Comignolo, Il Sole Nascente, Taverna Verde and the incredible Ristorante L'Arca (The Ark) which is carved out of the local green-tufa rock and sits on its own promontory with some breathtaking views across the island.
At what you might call the heart of the village is the unusual Chiesa di San Ciro, again created using Ischia's unique green-tufa to create a brightly colored church that remains cool during the hot summer months due the porous rock of its walls. Just outside the church there's a "Belvedere" (viewing area) with a fantastic panoramic view down to Forio.
How to get to Ciglio
Via Ciglio is a section of the main SS270 road that circles the island. It's easy to reach by car, scooter or bike (if you don't mind a few hills!), or alternatively by the local EAVBUS bus routes. There are two route that pass through Ciglio, the CD which means "Circolare Destra" (Circular Right), describing the direction that the bus travels in from Ischia Porto, or the CS which goes left from Ischia Porto and means "Circolare Sinistra" (Circular Left). If travelling from Ischia Porto or Casamicciola it's best to take the CD as it's slightly faster (about 35 minutes from Ischia Porto) or if you're travelling from Lacco Ameno, Forio or Sant'Angelo the CS is best.
At what you might call the heart of the village is the unusual Chiesa di San Ciro, again created using Ischia's unique green-tufa to create a brightly colored church that remains cool during the hot summer months due the porous rock of its walls. Just outside the church there's a "Belvedere" (viewing area) with a fantastic panoramic view down to Forio.
How to get to Ciglio
Via Ciglio is a section of the main SS270 road that circles the island. It's easy to reach by car, scooter or bike (if you don't mind a few hills!), or alternatively by the local EAVBUS bus routes. There are two route that pass through Ciglio, the CD which means "Circolare Destra" (Circular Right), describing the direction that the bus travels in from Ischia Porto, or the CS which goes left from Ischia Porto and means "Circolare Sinistra" (Circular Left). If travelling from Ischia Porto or Casamicciola it's best to take the CD as it's slightly faster (about 35 minutes from Ischia Porto) or if you're travelling from Lacco Ameno, Forio or Sant'Angelo the CS is best.
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